Numbness and Butterflies

I crave the butterfly

Bring me it's frothy wings and dusted feet.

My outstretched tongue to rest her friable frame.

She melts away like a whisper.

Powdered delight collects in the corners of my mouth.

Honey coats the back of my throat.

One less beautiful thing in the world.

I consumed the joy.

It is within me.

Yet it does not make me joyful.

Just as before, there is pain.

There is the hunger.

There is longing.

And today I settle.

For numbness and butterflies.

I crave the butterfly.

Ask me not to bat my eyelashes and wait.

My unclenched claws seek out its precious youth. 

Open my palms to find it in pieces.

A body of brittle sugar-glass.

Picking it's wings out of my teeth.

Harsh, yet savory, the taste lingers.

My pain fades at the sensation.

For numbness is a fool's joy.

Leave me to the butterflies.

For they feed my fancy.

A notion of happiness I try to achieve.

But today I settle.

For numbness and butterflies.

Author's Note

I really wanted to emphasize the difference between happiness and joy.

Reviews

[Jack Kennedy]

Great poem and I think you did the mission well. I like this the best from you so far.