The Butterfly that Stamped

November 7

There was never a Queen like Balkis,
From here to the wide world’s end;
But Balkis talked to a butterfly
As you would talk to a friend.

There was never a King like Solomon,
Not since the world began;
But Solomon talked to a butterfly
As a man would talk to a man.

She was Queen of Sabaea–
And he was Asia’s Lord–
But they both of ‘em talked to butterflies
When they took their walks abroad!

~ from The Butterfly that Stamped,
by Rudyard Kipling

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4 Comments for “The Butterfly that Stamped”:

1. November 8th, 2009 Holli says:

   Absolutely gorgeous…. I loved it

2. November 8th, 2009 TorontoEmerg says:

   Thanks for this…when I was university, lo these many years ago, Kipling was seen as a slightly embarrassing relic from the age of imperialism; I recently reread some of his poems, and I’m starting to reevaluate this opinion.

3. November 9th, 2009 StephanieD says:

   How fitting for you- and I love the illustration

4. November 9th, 2009 Kalanna says:

   kipling’s poetry was a surprise for me. this is the first i’ve ever read from his hand. while i wait for the kids to peruse and make their library choices, i can’t help but poke around and look at what i missed as a kid. this one jumped at me from the overflow cart. i’m so glad it did.

   did you follow the link to the artwork steph? it depicts one of the events in the story – a city lifted out of the ground at the whim of one female butterfly! it totally fits me. if only we realized what power we have…