The Ballade of Butterflies
This poem is a lyrical and symbolic exploration of the fleeting nature of life and beauty. It describes a ballade of butterflies dancing in the sun, their delicate forms and colors evoking a sense of wonder and fragility. The speaker reflects on the transience of these creatures, noting that they are born, live briefly, and then die, leaving behind only memories. The poem is structured as a series of short, enjambed lines, which creates a sense of fluidity and movement, mirroring the dance of the butterflies. The language is simple yet evocative, with vivid imagery and metaphorical suggestions that add depth to the poem's themes. Ultimately, the Ballade of Butterflies is a meditation on the preciousness and impermanence of life, inviting the reader to appreciate the beauty and fragility of existence.
By Joyce Kilmer · First published 1914 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Allegorical Poetry · 278 words
First lines
Because we never build a nest And no one of us ever sings, We are the butt of every jest That strutting loud-mouthed robin flings. Unless the field with laughter rings And we are meek in our replies His claws and beak to bear he brings; Have pity on all butterflies!
Since we are of no home possest, And have no joy in courts and kings, And love on working-days to rest, The name of "Idlers" to us clings. On all our gypsy travellings They follow us with jeering cries. From every rose a spider springs; Have pity on all butterflies!
What this Textopian page supports
The Ballade of Butterflies is listed on Textopian as a poem by Joyce Kilmer, dated 1914 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Joyce Kilmer
- Date: 1914 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Allegorical Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Social Commentary
- Length: 278 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal emotions and thoughts through a structured poetic form, focusing on the beauty and fragility of butterflies.
- Nature Poetry — The poem reflects on the natural world, particularly the life and struggles of butterflies, highlighting themes of freedom and vulnerability.
- Allegorical Poetry — The butterflies symbolize broader themes of existence, societal judgment, and the desire for peace, serving as a metaphor for human experiences.
- Romantic Poetry — The work embodies elements of Romanticism through its emphasis on nature, emotion, and the individual experience.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Metaphor · Simile · Personification · Alliteration · Rhyme · Free Verse · Whimsy · Fantasy