Have you ever noticed a shift in the quality of light, a subtle hue that feels out of the ordinary and makes you pause? It was just such an “uncommon yellow light” in the evening sky that sparked Faye Rapoport DesPres’s poem, “Change.” The poem looks into our perception of transformation and the signals that accompany it.

In “Change,” the presence of a “dusty butterfly’s wing” isn’t just a visual detail. For DesPres, it serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it is a reference to the color of a light. Secondly, it carries symbolic weight, hinting at the delicate and perhaps even fragile nature of change itself. It’s a gentle image that’s up to interpretation.

DesPres recounts the actual “uncommon yellow light” that caught her eye one evening. From this simple sensory experience, the poem evolved to explore a more personal insight: her own tendency to sometimes misinterpret whether an initial change is ultimately positive or carries hope. This vulnerability shared by the poet adds a layer of authenticity and relatability to the work.

The poem’s tone, as described by DesPres, is a blend of “observational and reflective.” The initial observation of the light naturally leads to a broader contemplation of the signs of change and our reactions. While acknowledging a “slight note of melancholy” as the poem considers our present state and what we might be waiting for, there’s also a “note of effort to remain hopeful.” This nuanced emotional landscape mirrors the often complex feelings that accompany periods of transition.

When asked what she hopes readers will take away from “Change,” DesPres offers a beautifully open-ended response: “Whatever it prompts in their own heart or mind.” This generosity invites a deeply personal connection with the poem, allowing each reader to find their own unique resonance within its verses.

One of the poem’s most evocative images for DesPres is that of the “dusty butterfly’s wing.” She explains, “The image of the dusty butterfly’s wing simply came to me; it felt so gentle and perfect.”

To explore more of Faye Rapoport DesPres’s writings, you can visit her website: www.fayerapoportdespres.com She is also active on Facebook, where you can connect with her and her work.

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