Two Butterflies Went Out at Noon
by an anonymous poet
Two Butterflies went out at Noon-
And waltzed above a Farm-
Then stepped straight through the Firmament
And rested on a Beam-And then- together bore away
Upon a shining Sea-
Though never yet, in any Port-
Their coming mentioned- be-If spoken by the distant Bird-
If met in Ether Sea
By Frigate, or by Merchantman-
No notice-was-to me-
Summary of “Two Butterflies Went Out at Noon”
“Two Butterflies Went Out at Noon” is a delicate and imaginative poem that explores beauty, transience, and the unnoticed wonder of the world. Though its origins are uncertain, the poem has long been admired for its whimsical imagery and evocative portrayal of nature. It follows two butterflies on an extraordinary journey that takes them beyond the earthly realm and into a vast, ethereal space.
The poem’s central idea is that beauty can exist beyond human perception. It suggests that remarkable events can occur unnoticed and unacknowledged by society. The poem is not only a description of butterflies; it is a meditation on how we perceive reality, the limits of our awareness, and the quiet, personal experience of witnessing something extraordinary. It emphasizes that beauty can be found even in the unseen and unappreciated.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in “Two Butterflies Went Out at Noon”
The anonymous poet masterfully employs a variety of literary devices to create a unique atmosphere and convey the poem’s themes. These techniques enrich the poem’s meaning and add layers of complexity to its seemingly straightforward narrative.
Assonance and Consonance
The poet uses sound devices to create musicality and emphasize certain words. Assonance—repeating vowel sounds—appears in lines such as “Two Butterflies went out at Noon-,” where the long “oo” sound creates a sense of spaciousness and tranquility. Consonance—repeating consonant sounds—shows up in phrases like “shining Sea-,” where the repeated “s” reinforces the image of the sea’s vastness and shimmer. The repeated “f” in “By Frigate, or by Merchantman-” mimics the wind filling sails and deepens the seascape’s immersion.
Enjambment
Enjambment, the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause, is a prominent feature of the poet’s style. It creates a flowing rhythm that mirrors the butterflies’ uninterrupted flight. For example:
If spoken by the distant Bird-
If met in Ether Sea
By Frigate, or by Merchantman-
No notice-was-to me-
These lines move the reader forward, reflecting the continuous journey and the sense of anticipation. The lack of punctuation at the end of each line emphasizes the seamless transition between realms and the butterflies’ flight.
Imagery
The poem is rich in vivid imagery, engaging the reader’s senses and creating a powerful visual experience. Phrases such as “shining Sea-” and “By Frigate, or by Merchantman-” evoke images of vastness, adventure, and the unknown. The imagery is integral to the poem’s meaning, contributing to the sense of wonder and the feeling of a world beyond everyday perception. The image of the butterflies “waltzing above a Farm” contrasts the mundane with the magical, establishing a fantastical tone.
Metaphor and Symbolism
The butterflies themselves serve as a central metaphor for beauty, freedom, and the fleeting nature of life. They represent delicacy, ephemerality, and extraordinariness. The “Firmament” and “Ether Sea” symbolize the spiritual realm or the boundless expanse of imagination. The poem suggests that beauty and wonder exist beyond the physical world, accessible only through perception and imagination. The butterflies’ journey through the “Firmament” can be seen as a metaphor for the soul’s passage beyond earthly constraints.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in “Two Butterflies Went Out at Noon”
Beyond literary devices, the poet skillfully uses poetic devices to shape the poem’s form, rhythm, and overall effect.
Diction and Tone
The poet’s distinctive voice is marked by precise diction and a subtle tone. They use formal language and carefully chosen words to create a sense of distance and mystery. The tone is contemplative rather than overtly emotional, allowing readers to engage with the poem’s themes on a deeper level. Words like “bore away” and “mentioned” carry a subtle formality that reinforces the poem’s ethereal quality.
Quatrain and Rhyme Scheme
The poem consists of four quatrains, each with four lines. This structure provides balance and order. While the rhyme scheme is not strict, the use of slant rhyme—near rhyme—adds a subtle musicality. The first stanza sets a unique tone, and the ABCB pattern in the remaining stanzas gently connects the lines, contributing to the poem’s overall flow.
Stanza and Line Breaks
Stanzas divide the poem into distinct units of thought, showing the progression of the butterflies’ journey. Line breaks emphasize key words and images, giving the poem rhythm and intimacy. For instance, the opening line, “Two Butterflies went out at Noon-,” immediately draws attention to the central image.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines are particularly evocative and illustrate the poem’s themes and imagery:
Two Butterflies went out at Noon-
And waltzed above a Farm-
Then stepped straight through the Firmament
And rested on a Beam-
These lines establish the poem’s whimsical tone and introduce the extraordinary journey of the butterflies. The imagery of “waltzing” and “stepping through the Firmament” creates wonder and invites readers to imagine a world beyond the ordinary. The contrast between the mundane “Farm” and the otherworldly “Firmament” captures the imagination.
“Two Butterflies Went Out at Noon” is a deceptively simple poem that rewards close reading. By exploring the interplay of literary and poetic devices, we gain a deeper appreciation for the poet’s artistry and the enduring power of their vision. It reminds us to look beyond the surface, to appreciate the beauty and wonder that surround us—even in the most unexpected places.