Butterfly Poetess

I find poetry in art, and poetry finds art in me.

Poets paint pictures with their words.

Emotions are drawn.

There’s art in the alleys. Sometimes paintings that remind me of my muse, a poetess, are found.

… and then I’m “Laughing to the sky, up to the sky”

Flirting around, one view than another

Holly, poetess muse, thank you for letting me use your poem!

Pics taken by Resa – April 9, 2025

Toronto, Canada

The Artist:

215 thoughts on “Butterfly Poetess

    1. Thank you TOF!

      “Laughing to the sky, up to the sky”. – It’s a great line. I get to do it time to time when I find art outside, and it is a very fine life.

  1. What a beautiful, sad, moving poem, Resa! It’s so impactful combined with this inspiring artwork. I love the dreamy butterflies and pastel colors. This made my heart soar, it was so uplifting! Thanks for sharing 🦋🦋🦋💜

    1. Hello Ada,

      I know what you mean. When I found this art, I got heady & happy. It is a dreamy work of art, and all on a garage door.

      There was a lot of art in this alley, but this piece was the prize.

      🦋🌸🤍🌸🦋

  2. Beautiful words and art from Holly Rene and you!

    “Let my tongue flirt like a butterfly . . .”

    (As an aside, I sort of cringe at the word, “poetess.”)

    1. Thanks Merril. It was my fave of all the art in this alley. Although, the Bunso pink Pegasus I posted several posts ago was a close runner up.

      Holly writes beautifully!

      (Aside cont. – I can see why the cringe ( I think). The “ess” sexist connotation? First time I heard the word was a few years ago. Holly called me a poetess from a comment I left. Sexism aside, I like the word. It sounds more poetic than poet. (to me) Then I got into a thing… why do we revert to the male term when “evening out the sexes”? Actresses are now actors (in a female role, or female actors). That in itself bugs me because why not just actors in any and all roles? {Or perhaps they should all be actresses. Actress in a male role?} I’ll spare you my off/on days long discussion with myself {tried to drag others into it, with not much luck}. Anyway, I concluded I like the word on its own. Holly uses/likes it, so I decided to use it for her, and her alone. If she wants, I’ll change that. Sorry I made you cringe!)

      1. You’re welcome, Resa. It is beautiful, and so was the Pegasus artwork. She does write beautifully, very sensual.

        Of course you should write whatever you want–and she wants. I know some of you use the term, and I never commented on it before. I was sure if it was a serious use or not. It just sounds demeaning to me. More often now actor is used for men, women, and gender non-conforming. Also, sculptor, not sculptress, etc. Just my feeling. I hope you didn’t mind that I mentioned it. You know I think you’re great! xx

        1. Merril,
          You’re the bees’ knees! I understand your feeling, and I certainly do not mind that you mentioned it. As a matter of fact, I was wondering if one day someone would mention it.
          Of course it’s you! 🌟🤗
          I don’t want to sound demeaning, so will just use poet in the future.
          I think you are great, too! xxox

          1. Let me apologize for my use of the term “poetess “ , beautiful but passé. I shall also reconsider the use of the word “goddess “, is it the pedestal of femininity or a belittling of women ? In antiquity Sappho was regularly counted among the greatest of poets and was often referred to as “the Poetess,” as Homer was called “the Poet.”  

            1. You need not apologize dear Meece.!
              It’s an intellectual discussion.

              Words & thoughts & realities… I was thinking about how women’s rights have gone backwards in the US. (and don’t exists in some countries)
              Then I began to think we need to take our power back from the men (& the brainwashed women) by being equal in words, thoughts and deeds, whatever “they” think, do or say.
              “ess”, the feminine version is lovely, except when feminine is considered lesser.
              Unfortunately, we are considered lesser (by many) so one word for both sexes equalizes.

              Sigh! Am I making sense?
              Goddess… God in a Female role?… nice can of worms. Where do we go? Perhaps leave the past what it is, and move on from here?

              xoxoxoxoxoxo

              1. My reference “dear poetess” is a term of endearment reserved for the those whose words can wring the heart of the world. Resa is one of those. In the future I’ll need to give more thought to its use. Thank you for shedding light on that phrase.

    1. Thanks Dave! It’s an especially pretty, well executed piece of art on a garage door. I thought of Holly’s poetry immediately!

  3. So beautiful ~ the colors, words, and such a collection of melancholy, but also such beauty with the accompanying art. And then you capture with one of my favorite bands (and a song that brings back memories 😊). Thank you!

    1. You are welcome, and thank you for visiting and commenting, Dalo! It’s a beautiful work of art, and Holly writes the best poems. These 2 do go together nicely.

      I adore Heart! What a great band, and the 2 sisters write amazing songs.

    1. It is a beautiful piece. I too like the soft colours, which is unusual in street art.

      Holly’s poem is perfect. I thought of her immediately when I found it.

      I still haven’t posted the art that made me think of you. There’s a chimp (?) a tiger and a leopard in the piece. I need to find a poem of yours to go with it. When I do, I’ll check with you first! ❤️❤️

        1. It’s fun. You know, it just happens. Art makes me think of certain people at times, because of their writing.
          I’ll let you know when I’m dong the mural that made me think of you.
          It was so exciting when I found it.

      1. There is a poem about monkeys in Lion Scream and there is also a poem about tigers. There is a poem about leopards in Burning butterflies. You can use any or all of those if you wish 🌞💛

  4. As always an amazing artwork (and one not obstructed by street furniture or a vehicle!). I needed something nice to look at to calm me down (have had a bad week since we last chatted) so thanks so much for sharing this…..I’m gonna go and try to relax on “butterfly wings” now.

    1. …or trash bins, parking signs, shrubbery, …LOL street furniture.
      Gee, hope you are feeling better!
      I found you new post notification mail. It was buried in over 100 emails. I got behind this week. I’ll be by soon.
      Get Well! I hope the butterfly wings help.
      Chat soon!

  5. Great mural! She looks like a small child, yet something about her is adult. Maybe she is a natural spirit with flowers for hair? And, of course, a flower child spirit would attract butterflies, wouldn’t she? Hmm, and reading Holly’s poem with the image, the girl/spirit does have the lingering presence of old tears in her eyes, doesn’t she? Leaving the old wounds behind for those butterflies and wildflowers and trading despair for hope – great poem to match the mural!

    1. Thank you Trent! I adore your interpretation.

      I loved this art when I saw it, the bursting butterflies hair, the floral feel, soft colours (a bit unusual in street art). It made me think of Holly & her poetry.

      It didn’t take long looking through her poems to find the perfect fit.

      I’m thrilled you like this, and appreciate your thoughtful comment!

    1. Agree. It is gorgeous. Yes, Holly’s poem is perfect. She writes amazing poetry.
      Thank you for the visit, Violet! Be well!

    1. Thanks Frank! It’s a cool, pretty painting, and I thought of Holly right away.
      Thanks for coming to visit! I miss you.
      I checked my email, but don’t see a notice for a new post. I’ll check Marc’s tomorrow. Maybe you did a post there. ❤️

    1. Hello Jan!

      Thanks for asking!
      We met blogging about 8 years ago, then in 2019 we went crazy with hilarity in comments in some post. That led to me drawing Boogapony and other characters. Then one thing led to another.
      Holly is so encouraging, and now I’ve been drawing portraits. I had no idea I could do that.

      It’s a lot of fun knowing her.
      Happy June to you, Jan!

    1. Thank you, Diana! Yeah.. it’s neat the way art makes me think of writers, mostly their poems.

      A lot of street art makes me think of Holly. Perhaps because her poems are always in my heart.

  6. I brilliant duet, Resa and Holly! I truly enjoyed this post. The mural by Anastasia Eve is absolutely stunning—so full of emotion and movement. And the poem by Holly left a lasting impression. Lines like “a heart can fall like a suicide descent through shades of midnight / frozen blossoms on an icy lake” struck deep, while the ending brought such a delicate shift—“let my tongue flirt like a butterfly among field and wildflowers…”—what a powerful contrast. It’s a beautiful blend of visual and poetic expression. Thank you for sharing this moving collaboration that spreads light in the darkest of spaces. Sending many hugs!

    P.S. Resa – another fabulous insight: “I find poetry in art, and poetry finds art in me.”

    1. Look who I found in my SPAM! You!
      LOL..It is important to check our Spam folders regularly. One never knows who is languishing in there!
      Thank you for this wonderful comment, Rebecca. I find Holly inspiring, and love doing posts with here. It’s always a wonderful creative experience.

      I was wondering if anyone would comment on my latest “insight” – You did, of course!

      BIG HUGS!

  7. Ah, dahling, this is such a wonderful mural and Holly’s moving words just make it glow so much more! Love to both!
    Oh… and slobberies! 🐾😘🐾😘🐾😘

    1. Thank you, dahling!
      I’m so happyHolly always ahs the perfect poem when I need one!

      xoxo🧽🧽🌞💛xoxo🧽🧽🌞💛xoxo🧽🧽🌞💛xoxo🧽🧽🌞💛

    2. Dahling,

      I’ve been to 4 of your reblog posts today, my likes are there. However, when I link to Oannes, the music player is not responsive. Obviously it is for others, because there are likes and comments. Not sure what this glitch is. Hopefully it will clear up on it’s own!

      Anyway, just to let you know, for whatever… lol!

      xoxoxoxoxo

      1. Hi, dahling!

        Oh no! Thanks for letting us know. We’ve been doing some adjustments lately and maybe you visited during an update. Please let me know if this persists. I have checked from various computers and the players seem to work.

        xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

        1. It just started working this afternoon. Let me try Dylan Wrote Propaganda Songs…
          It works! I don’t know why 2-3 days of pale grey non responsive?, but works now!

          Yet another glitch,
          xox🧽oxo🧽xox🧽oxo🧽xox🧽oxo🧽xox🧽oxo🧽xox🧽oxo🧽xox🧽oxo🧽

          1. Glitches are lurking everywhere!!!! 😱

            Great to hear! Thanks for letting me know, dahlin!

            xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

            and get that swimsuit out!!!!

            🐾xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo🐾

    1. Thank you dear Sue!
      Holly’s poetry is so rich, I just love it! I thought of her the moent I saw this art.
      Ahh, a peaceful week sounds perfect.
      You too, Sue, may peace surround you & your garden!
      xo🌞💛

  8. Ooooo… what a stunning mural!! LOVE the gorgeous, calming color palette… and her eyes are kind and welcoming. The artist’s name Anastasia Eve sounds poetic as well. Great captures, Resa, I always love your photographs, choice of poetry and video, too! The split photos are cool too, thanks for showing us different angles.

    I just met with a friend and she shared a great poem by David Whyte… https://thevalueofsparrows.wordpress.com/2018/09/24/words-besieged-by-david-whyte/ I thought you might enjoy it too!

    Warmest hugs!! 🤗 ❦ ♡ ♥ 🫶

      1. 🌟💖🤗 I found pigeons for GI. I’m collecting them up for a pigeon post.

        (Just mailed a Tina update… thank you for encouraging me not to start over! xoxoxoxoxo )

          1. Thank you dear Meece! Honestly, there are so many subtle nuances in a face.. and the face is so small I’m almost blind.

            Anyway, I like where I’m at with the face, and tonight is all about legs and feet.
            Then clean-up, then pics.
            Should have something for you by the weekend!

                    1. If it’s sunny in the morning tomorrow, I’ll take a few more pics. Right now I have a lot to choose from.
                      Hmm, think I’ll send you some in about an hour! xoxoxox

  9. I could wager whom you are aiming at! Absolutely agreed! Poets paint pictures with their words, and painters craft their poems in their images.

    Excellent! Thank you, Resa and Holly… and Anastasia Eve!

    🤗👍🙏💖💖🌹🌹🌹

    1. Thank you so much, Aladin!
      I appreciate your coming around, while convalescing. I would miss you.
      I hope you are almost100%!
      🌞🌸🌟💖🤗

      1. Not quite yet; I’m still a bit fragile and not allowed to push myself, but I’m doing everything I can to get back to my old self!
        Thank you for your kind thoughts.
        🙏🤗🌹💞😘

        1. My dear Aladin,
          If you can’t get all the way back to your old self, be the best new self you can be. Either way, you will be wonderful!
          (Just a thought)
          ❦❦🌟🌹🌟❦❦

  10. So beautiful dear Resa. Such a magical work of art. These eyes are looking out onto the world , so soft and Filled with wonder , a million butterflies have gathered around her! She has been here with the butterflies for awhile and still she loves and wonders . Thank you for sharing your light sweet Resa. 🕯️🦋❤️

  11. I love it. I can imagine pulling into my driveway after a difficult day at work, and seeing that masterwork of color to greet me on the garage door. Kudos to Holly on this lovely, evocative poem. Hugs all around.

    1. Thanks for the visit, Teagan! Yes, Holly’s poem is perfect for this butterfly beauty.
      Big hugs to you and the Scoobies!

  12. What a feast, of images and words. The words evoking images and the images supplying us with a thousand brilliant words, and more than that.

    I tell you what, when you and Holly collaborate, it’s a magical storm.

    1. Ahh, thank you Marc! I am very fond of Holly.
      #1 Meece!
      Her poetry inspires me, and she is wildly encouraging about my drawing.
      I enjoy collaborating, and she’s my #1 go to.

      MUAH!

  13. Isn’t it odd how different mediums speak to different people? Poetry has rarely spoken to me. I understand it at an intellectual level, but most of the time it doesn’t resonate at an emotional level. Imagery and music, on the other hand, always hits me where I live, and this image is delightful. Thanks for finding it and sharing it with us.

    1. You are welcome, Meeka!
      I’m happy there was an image and music that you found delightful.
      Yes, we each have our druthers in life and the arts.
      I fell head over heels when I found this art, and could not wait to share!
      Hope all is well in Meeks’s world!

    1. Thank you Alex!

      It’s a beautiful word in all the languages.

      It’s a beautiful creature. Happy you like this art!

    1. Thank you, Lauren!
      I think it all works together beautifully, as well.

      When I saw this garage door, it made me so happy. There was a lot of art in this alley, but this piece was my fave.
      ❦❦🦋💞🦋❦❦

  14. Pingback: Roberta Writes – d’Verse, the sun’ll come up … Dan’s Thursday Doors Writing Challenge #ThursdayDoors #dVerse #poetry

Comments are closed.