Butterfly Gift

by Francesca West

Scarred butterfly,

Your wings with so many holes.

I stopped to see if you could fly

And there you go.

Flower to flower

As though your wings have no problems.

You fly as though you’ve never encountered violence.

I see these holes in you and wonder

With my imperfect wings do I just need to flap harder?

Or forget the tears put there.

You live beautifully, so presently aware.

I’m glad our paths crossed

Because I too can live this way.

I followed the lilac’s scent

Leading right up to your display,

Of learning to practice the strength of endurance.

To remind myself harmful memory’s a hindrance.

The truth is I can choose fulfillment.

You do, so why be any different?

You teach me with what I survive

That I’m free to fly.

Now it’s time to embrace this life

Despite bewilderment we find.

You live with so many holes,

Showing so few signs.

So many chances to start again

And you’re always taking flight.

It's that you presently have nothing to fear

And that is the gift that I now hold dear.

My nostrils turned to devour

The scent of those passing flowers

And then you soared inside my mind.

I’ll never forget your existence,

You’re now alive for all of time.

Because my eyes perceived to let go of life’s stings

And live more truthfully,

Because with what I have,

These were never broken wings.

* * * * *

"Butterfly Gift" was first published in Silver City Quarterly Review.