Butterfly Dance

Summary

"Butterfly Dance" is a poignant poem reflecting on the juxtaposition of nature's beauty, particularly butterflies, against the encroachment of industrialization and environmental destruction.

Abstract

The poem "Butterfly Dance," a first-place winner in The Lark's poetry contest, captures the delicate dance of various butterfly species against the backdrop of construction and environmental degradation. It portrays the irony of men, referred to as "Death & Destruction Men," whose actions lead to the endangerment and extinction of wildlife, unknowingly surrounded by the creatures they harm. The poet contrasts the serene, thriving ecosystem with the unseen, yet ominous presence of a gas well on a mountain, symbolizing the disconnect between human progress and its impact on nature. The narrative expresses a hope that the beauty of the natural world, with its flora and fauna, can persist despite the threats posed by human activities such as weed eating, mowing, and herbicide spraying. The poem concludes with a personal reflection on the decline of butterflies due to harmful sprays and the recent official listing of the Monarch as endangered, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts.

Opinions

The author expresses a deep love for butterflies and a nostalgic longing for times when they were more abundant.
There is a clear criticism of herbicide and insecticide use, which is seen as the primary cause for the decline in butterfly populations.
The poem conveys a dystopian image of modern progress, where the beauty of nature is overshadowed by the destructive actions of humans.
The author feels a mix of sadness and relief regarding the official endangered status of the Monarch, as it acknowledges the severity of the situation and may prompt legal action to protect the species.
Gratitude is expressed towards Denise Larkin for organizing the poetry competition, which provides a platform for discussing critical environmental issues through art.

First place winner in The Lark’s poetry contest

Milkweed and ironweed Bloom purple and yellow in the afternoon sun. Zebra and black swallowtails, Little azures and cabbage whites, Monarchs and admiral butterflies, Dance gracefully around the heads of men Wearing grungy hardhats and goggles.

Men of construction, Men of “progress,” Men carrying instruments, That will cause death and demise, — Death & Destruction Men — They, their type, have caused death and demise, They have caused extinction and endangerment. Butterflies flutter unknowingly around These men carrying weed eaters, Driving tractor mowers, And, worst of all, The slow, quiet death and demise Born in a truck filled with herbicide spray.

But, today, The killers go up the mountain To the gas well… An unseen intangible to me. I know it is there, I have seen numerous men go up there, There are “No Trespassing” signs all around, It is up there, On the top of the mountain, But I have never seen it. It has nothing to do with me. (At least I can think that today.)

You won’t destroy my quiet spot, — Death & Destruction Men — My protected spot, My yard with all the growing things, The flowers, grasses, and trees. You won’t cut down and spray My plants that feed and home The furry, flying and fluttery things.

Creek sings her song, Damselflies flit from place to place, Life is quiet, peaceful, and serene. Butterflies, endangered and not, Can keep on fluttering In the afternoon sun.

I love butterflies and all things butterflies. I always have. I remember when I was a little girl the air would literally be alive with them. Now, it’s a surprise to see them, it seems. Herbicide and insecticide sprays are the biggest culprits. I literally cried when it was announced that the Monarch was finally officially listed as endangered last week. I was mad that it came to this when we had been warning everyone for years and I was also glad because maybe now we can legally do something to save them. The image of the butterflies dancing around the heads of the men going up the mountain to clear the “weeds” from the gas well the other day was so dystopian: it is one of those that will never leave me.

Thanks to Denise Larkin for the competition:

Butterfly Dance

First place winner in The Lark’s poetry contest

Poetry Competition at The Lark Publication

The Lark is hosting a poetry competition for the best poem