It felt like my insides were oozing out through all my pores,
as my tears spilled uncontrollably down my cheeks.
Could my heart break any more than into a million, tiny pieces?
I drown in sorrow.
What madness this that another mother’s offspring should savagely gun down my own?
Is there no safe haven for the butterfly, newly emerged from its cocoon?
What price heaven, that my innocent should die?
As for me…
I will glue my brokenness back together again.
I will live happily…as best I know how.
Until my eyes light once more…
on my beloved butterfly.
Dear Millie,
I didn’t have any trouble understanding this. Fragile butterflies. Heartbreaking story. As a mother my heart melted like wax, too.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I’m not surprised you got this, Rochelle. Stories of your children always resonate with maternal love and affection…
LikeLike
I will glue my brokenness back together again. This is a lovely line. Thank you for this sad and gentle reminder of a truly senseless act. I don’t know how that town will ever be truly glued back together
LikeLike
Probably never. Although I’m sure every child there is celebrated and cherished by every parent.
LikeLike
It’s unimaginable to think that this would happen to your child. Good job of showing the pain.
janet
LikeLike
As the mother of an only child…it’s always right there below the surface.
LikeLike
Oh I’m trying to understand the story.. The butterfly, the offspring.. Beautifully written.. But I feel like there’s some piece I miss.
LikeLike
Sorry. You’re right. You’d have to get inside my mind to discover the thread. My story arises from an elementary school massacre which happened a couple of years ago in the small hamlet of Newtown in the state of Connecticut. I think 30 first graders were gunned down by a mentally deranged young man in his 20s. The parents of those innocents are still coping with their loss. Their plight coupled with my own deep, abiding love for my only child gave rise to this tale…of butterflies as yet untainted…dying before their wings are fully spread. Hope this helps…
LikeLike
OH wow, I would have never thought of the photo this way. Now that I do, I can see the anguish reflected in the melted candle. Very powerful. Thank you for sharing this.
LikeLike
Thank you, Jennie, for that awesome comment. hugs…
LikeLike
Beautiful! There is something very special (and oh, so sad) about the grief of a mother.
LikeLike
I don’t think anything compares…
LikeLike
HM, Lovely verse about something that’s heartbreaking and takes place much too often in today’s world. A parent’s worst nightmare. Well done.
Susan
LikeLike
And it continues to this day. A young man went on a shooting rampage here in Seattle a couple of days ago…
LikeLike