Metamorphosis
By Kara Reese
I shuffled my feet on the windowsill, fluttering my anxious wings. I gazed out at the tiny angel lying in the crib below me. Pale moonlight streamed out from the sky, illuminating his sweet face. He cried out in his sleep, pale eyebrows contorting in pain. My antennae drooped. I did not understand. Why was this child burdened with such constant pain? His bones were as fragile as glass, but what for? He did not do anything wrong. He did not deserve this.
My butterfly body heaved a small sigh, and I fluttered over to the infant’s crib. I carefully dropped onto his small hand, trying not to wake him. A wave of pain took over the child’s body, and he quivered and let out a high moan. I crawled up to his face, my wings dragging. I uncurled my tongue onto the angel’s face, giving him my greatest gift: a butterfly kiss. His moan drifted into silence, and his lips closed into a gentle smile. I felt my eyes brimming with tears. He had finally found some sanctuary from the pain. I knew...I knew that despite his brittle bones, despite the pain that would pursue him like a hungry tiger throughout his life, he would grow up to be kind. Understanding. At peace with the world. This child...he would not know hate. He would look on others in love, never ceasing to do the right thing. I smiled and gently took off. I landed deftly on the windowsill and gave one last look at the baby, who had finally settled into a deep slumber. I then flew out into the night.
When I had entered the open window out of curiosity, I did not know what awaited me. Now that I know, I am glad that I did not let the window pass me by.
I am changed.
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Comments
I love this piece! It's an awesome piece of writing.
- Jessi
WI
You're such a good writer!!!!
- Larissa
Normal, IL
This is an amazing piece. It really puts that situation in perspective. Good work!
- Bridgette
WI
Great prose poem, I hope to read more writings!
- J.Michael Martinez
Washington, DC
This was so amazing!
- Anonymous
WI
Wow. What an amazing piece about your brother. I now know that this is your brother with brittle bones because I am quite friends with your sister, who is also in my grade.
My heart goes out to him. My niece, who is almost 3, has brittle bones. She is constantly in pain, confined to a wheelchair and not being able to do what normal three year olds would do.
Great piece....this really puts the situation in a perspective others can understand.
- Anonymous
Kettle Moraine, WI