Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE FLOWER AND THE BUTTERFLY, by VICTOR MARIE HUGO


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE FLOWER AND THE BUTTERFLY, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Once to the butterfly a floweret sighed
Last Line: "the sky—the mead."
Subject(s): Butterflies; Flowers; Insects; Bugs


Once to the Butterfly a Floweret sighed:
"One moment stay!
Our fates are severed: here on earth I bide,
Thou must away.

Still, we both love: and far from human tread
We pass the hours:
Each like the other, for by man 'tis said
We both are flowers.

Earth chains me down—thy path is in the skies—
O cruel lot!
O'er thee I fain would breathe my perfumed sighs:
They reach thee not.

Thou rovest far—'mid blossoms fair and sweet
Thy life is glad:
I watch the shadow turning at my feet,
Alone and sad!

Thy form now quivers near, now flits away,
And disappears:
But thou wilt find me at each dawn of day,
All bathed in tears.

If 'tis thy will our love should lasting be,
O truant King!
Like me, take root: or, let me soar, like thee,
On splendid wing."

L'ENVOIA . . . . . . .

"Roses and Butterflies! in death you meet,
Or soon, or late.
Would not your lives together passed be sweet,
Then, wherefore wait?

Somewhere above the earth, if floating up
Thy pinions soar—
Or in the meads, if there perchance thy cup
Its fragrance pour.

What matters where? Be thou a breath alone,
Or tint of spring:
A radiant Butterfly, or Rose half-blown,
A flower or wing.

To live together! This your fondest aim,
Your vital need!
Chance may be left your future home to name,
The sky—the mead."





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