by Cheryl Batavia

Abandoned Dreams of Flying

Vulture. Photo by Mark Boss from Unsplash
Monarch butterfly on milkweed, a host plant on which monarchs lay their eggs.
Photo by Winifred Helton Harmon from Unsplash
Osprey carrying a fish. Photo by Stephen Crane from Unsplash.

Abandoned Dreams of Flying

With vultures, I’d gladly traverse the sky,

surrounding atmosphere so clear, so pure.

Above blue mountains, eagerly I’d fly,

but dining with vultures holds no allure!

Two butterflies take flight on dazzling wings,

in nectared frenzy, sweetly procreate.

Though watching them flying, my spirit sings,

to fly, then die, would be a tragic fate!

With ospreys, I’d fly over seas and streams;

An ocean-view nest is all I could wish.

Their seaside lifestyle haunts my dreams,

but dreams of flight don’t mean I like to fish!

Of course, I could just book an airplane flight.

On second thought, a walk would be just right!

Copyright© 2025 by Cheryl Batavia

47 Comments

    2. Unknown's avatar

      This poem beautifully captures the allure and complexity of flight, blending vivid imagery with a touch of humor and grounded wisdom. The contrasts between soaring with nature’s creatures and the practicality of human choices make it both thought-provoking and relatable. A delightful journey through the skies and back to earth!

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      Thank you, Dwight, for your perceptive comment. ❤️ Glad I made you smile!

      I once had a painting teacher who fed bologna to the vultures in his back yard! 😎

      Sometimes the things we have long dreamed of doing come true. Then we discover that dreams have both an upside and a downside.🤣

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      Kritika, I am glad you are taking care of yourself. We both need to exercise however we are able to. 💕

      I did imagine dining with vultures, but only briefly! Yuck!🤣 You would not believe the graphic photos I found of vultures dining! 🤪

      Hope you are doing well! 😊

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  8. Unknown's avatar

    Cheryl, I’m loving this poem ❤️You’ve got me dreaming of flying with those gorgeous images of vultures and butterflies. And I’m totally with you on the whole airplane thing… sometimes a walk is just what we need

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      It makes me happy that you enjoyed the post, Ritish. Thank you very much! ❤️

      I think an essential element of the joy of flying would be physical. How I envy the birds for that power and experience! Even an annoying mosquito can fly, and I cannot! 😎

      The view from a plane can be inspiring, but you are a passenger…sitting passively , wearing a seatbelt, and looking out of the window. Walking allows you to choose, your own path, and it is good exercise.

      I think the poem also speaks to wishes. We may have some of our dreams come true, only to discover that they have a downside.

      As my late husband’s grandmother (who lived to be 102) always said,”May all of your wishes and dreams come true!” 🦋🕊️ 💕

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      1. Unknown's avatar

        Yep, birds really do have a kind of freedom we can only dream of. But can’t deny the beauty of walking… choosing our own path, feeling the ground beneath us, that’s something to think about, isn’t it? And your late husband’s grandmother was so wise, dreams coming true is a gift, but sometimes the unexpected twists are what make the journey interesting ❤️❤️

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  10. Unknown's avatar

    Cindy, Your kind words nudge me to try to be a little more prolific, as you certainly are! It makes me happy that you have taken the time and effort to find the hidden meanings in this poem. I am very much in your debt for your beautiful response!

    Have a blissful week!

    Hugs and love to you, Cindy! 💕🌹💕

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      You are most kind and of course I would read behind the lines of an amazing poet riding on the edge of beauty and pain the way you do so well with insight. I do love that. I’m delighted you enjoyed my comment. 💕

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      Haha! 🤣 Though I still dream of flying, I am not dreaming of a rush to an airport, screening, checkin, being belted into a narrow seat for hours, waiting for luggage, and finding a cab! I just envy the birds their physical power to fly and their freedom to choose their own route.

      I think I waited too long to try hang-gliding!🤪

      Is there a boat to Taiwan? If you visit Taiwan, eat some dim sum for me. 😊

      Take care, Selma! 💕💕💕 I will think of you when I take my walk today.

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      Thank you so much, Morag, for your beautiful comment!🌹

      The flight of the spirit is essential for happiness and creativity. I agree that watching birds and butterflies flying is truly inspiring! 💕🦋💕

      Have a wonderful day!

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  16. Unknown's avatar

    Cheryl, I love this beautiful poem and am so happy about the matching photos! ✨ Your words paint such vivid pictures and make me feel the freedom of flight. The idea of ​​traveling with the majestic birds is fascinating, and the contrast with the delicate butterflies adds such a tender and joyful touch. I admire how you capture nature and its beauty in your words! Your poem truly touched my heart. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us! 🦋💖

    Stay happy and blessed, Cheryl!

    Rosie from Germany

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  17. Unknown's avatar

    This is a beautiful sonnet, Cheryl. At some points, it made me smile. I don’t like vultures. Your last line is relatable. A well crafted poem indeed 👏❤️💕

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