(Untitled)

[ghazalah]

For Stephen, natural philosophy

On Discovering A ButterflyI found it and I named it, being versed

Comments

[sparowe]

I have this really convoluted idea about Stephen being a butterfly on a pin (read that angsty!poetic if you will, not stupid as my limited vocabulary allows), and this calls it to mind again.

Would that I could actually explain myself.

[ghazalah]

How do you mean? Come on, give it a crack. :-)

[sparowe]

A pinned butterfly... is a delicate creature, preserved and on display. Stephen is a contradiction because he is terribly strong, but so fragile. (My icon sums up at least part of that concept.) And in a way, he is pinned similarly, on display similarly: he is The Doctor, he is... his titles. They're just exteriors, but they're valued. But to preserve a butterfly -- you must first kill it.

I'm still not doing very well, I'm afraid. I don't know that I can do any better in verse back to you, but here's a shot:

"All consuming cirucmstance
could lead to our dysfunction.

I see no life behind your weary eyes
I see the love you struggle to disguise
I see your vital signs begin to slip
Oh, it's much too late for you to aim-
you've already missed."

- Paradise Lost

[ghazalah]

Strong and fragile, yes. But I don't think I agree with "I see no life behind your weary eyes". Even when he was suicidal, in The Mauritius Command, he was so alive. Muted, coiled, but alive.

The disguise, certainly true. But his disguise is what keeps him alive, isn't it?

[ghazalah]

I love that castle. It's his perfect home. :-) I hope Recasens has a vivid array of kestrels, falcons, and nightjars. When I go there in a year or two I want to bring a little stuffed bear and take its picture on the ramparts. :-D

[ann_septimus]

became
godfather to an insect
...and I want no other fame

I love this. Personal transcendence and a moment of perfect, tiny contentedness... that is joy.

[ghazalah]

I think he would have been perfectly happy to be marooned on that island with his testudo aubreii, his perfect child. :-D

Remember how he hugged it, and fed it nummies, and sat with it day after day? *heart*

Something completely different

[esteven]

As I can't contact you otherwise:Having browsed through The Gunroom I came across biographical notes on Stephen.Have you already got those?Interested?
*hugs*

[ghazalah]

Oh yes, I've debauched the bio many times! :-D I rely on those for dating the poems that are dated. Thanks for thinking of me!

You can always get me at cionaudha @ yahoo.com.

*smooch!*