The Lesson of the Butterfly

She came to me softly
On butterfly wings
Alighting on my soul
Hesitantly.

I pressed her to my heart
Absorbing her delicate
Beauty
Her tender grace.

I was uncertain
Who was more needy
Me, in my hollowness
Or her, in her hope.

When the palm
Finds the butterfly
The amazement of one
Mingles with the trust of the other.

I hoped it would endure
Last forever
But the hard truth is
Lovers leave.

She flew one morning
As I watched
In the glare of fore-noon
My heart fading by the beat.

Years later, with the perspective
Of time and age
I would learn
Love’s benevolence.

The passing of years
Offer the revelation
That mercy lies
Between the gasp and the sighs.