Song of the Atlas Moth
a villanelle
Wings of geometric lattice rest in perfect arc upon cocoon.
Long forgotten in the dark of nature’s attic,
this little atlas moth shall soon embark upon the moon.
*
Only in the ink-black cloth of midnight does her cinnabar acanthus bloom.
A peculiar work of art she is, organic;
wings of geometric lattice rest in perfect arc upon cocoon.
*
She hid away upon an ark once - escaping Bible tragedy and doom.
Not quite a Northstar fit to compass the Atlantic,
this little atlas moth shall soon embark upon the moon.
*
The daylight never loved her (she) was only ever drafted by the gloom.
So underneath a peppered sky of stars she feathers out her magic -
wings of geometric lattice rest in perfect arc upon cocoon.
*
Oh, she yearns to be a lark (and) make the manic sun above her swoon.
Or to to travel south the way of Monarch butterflies, romantic;
this little atlas moth shall soon embark upon the moon.
*
Longitude and latitude lay mapped across telluric plumes.
Born of earth (she is) but beckoned more and more by sky, you see, galactic -
wings of geometric lattice rest in perfect arc upon cocoon:
this little atlas moth shall soon embark upon the moon.
***
-Gina C. 🧚♀️✨
***
Author's Note: Atlas moths are large, cinnamon-colored Saturniidae (silkworm moths) and are native to Asia. They are gentle, nocturnal giants that typically have a wingspan greater than that of a human hand.
Though they are named after Atlas of Greek Mythology and not actually a book of maps, I had fun spinning and giving meaning to the latter here. :)
Dedicated to anyone who always feels just a bit out of place. 🖤
About the Creator
Gina C.
Achievements:
- Twice-published in Vocal's Moment of Freedom Collection:
Free-Form poet of ethereal style🧚♀️✨
Fantasy writer
A sucker for a good rhyme
Follow my Ghosts of Relationships' Past series:)
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Compelling and original writing
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Writing reflected the title & theme
Letter to our Queer & Trans Youth
Hey, you. I thought I’d start this letter by telling you a little about myself, just so you know who you’re dealing with. I’m an emotional dad, father to three amazing kids who we met through the foster care system, and whose presence in our lives has really transformed my sense of responsibility to the communities that surround us. The connections we’ve made with one another, with our extended families, and with the communities where we live and look for belonging have catapulted us into this whirlwind of emotional tumult which, while not easy by any stretch of the measure, has also been remarkably healing. I realize ours is really only a one-sided chosen family, since our kids didn’t get to choose to live here, but I’d like to think that they did choose to let us love them, which allowed them to grow to love us. And I think that’s where I want to go with this letter- to a place where you can find belonging and healing- even if the pathway there may be peppered with some emotional tumult.
By F Cade Swanson2 days ago in Pride
Comments (30)
If the Atlas moth shrugs, will the night sky fall? Is that why it's wings are peppered with stars as it takes flight, to reflect and keep at bay the fireballs of the night? The Atlas Moth in the night will have its wings flutter as it sways, all to repel comets, keeping Armageddon at bay. Maybe it to releases stars in the dust from its wings? That's why when stars fly by, people take to fancy of wishing. A lovely moth to rule the sky and hold the heavens way up high, escaped the death of all the rain so the world never had to say goodbye.
Congratulations you so deserved this
Woohoo!!!! Congratulations on your placement in the challenge!! Long overdue.
This was really spectacular. Loved reading it.
Congratulations, I really like this one.
AMAZING!!! Gina. Loved your Villanelle! And Congrats on earning a placement badge! 🥇💐💖😍
Soooo happy for you Red Partner! Congratulations!! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
I'm not sure whay I didn't comment on this masterpiece before, Gina! Your words are almost hypnotic. Congratulations on placing!
Congrats Gina on your runner up placement. That is excellent news!! 😁☺️🥳👍
Congratulations, what a magnificent subject, too.
Congrats! You did such an amazing job with encapsulating your subject with poetic words! Really enjoyed reading!
Did, Gina just score a placement? Yes she did. Well done and congrats, pally!
Congratulations Gina. Beautiful in so many ways. ❤️
Great work on honourable mention for last week Gina! ☺️👍
Ah, the plight, direction & destiny of such a marvelous creature.
Spectacular nature poem!!! Love it, Gina!!!
Moths that with that big of a wind span.. wow! Lovely work as always Gina! ☺️👏
Beautiful breathtaking prose.
I love your poetry. It's full of everyday magic.
Absolutely gorgeous, Gina! So glad you're back!
Simply beautiful and a wonderful paired image! 🌹🌹🌹
Another absolutely stunning piece, Gina! Goodness, the imagery is gorgeous! And I love Atlas Moths! Beautiful job! 💫💞
Beautiful poem.
Wonderful villanelle and surely a Top Story. Love the image too and your description of the Atlas Moth.
This was breathtakingly beautiful! Thank you so much fpr sprinkling your magic all over us with this poem! I'm so mesmerized!