The First Butterfly

Like everything that matters

it is unexpected

it was a leaf

fluttering

at the very edge of my eyeline

I turned my head, and

happily wrong

I watched as the first spring breeze was born

from the butterfly’s fluttering wings

the rich velvet red

the silence, hopeful, light

the butterfly a messenger

winter is over

 

For one moment I imagined how beautiful it would be

if it were to burst into flames