Lace Butterflies

Grey barren ceilings—
slow the heartbeat
and dim the reflection
within glassy eyes.

While looking downward
at the slick pavement
a single plump worm
wriggles— searching

for a dry surface,
fighting for his life.
The possibility of drowning
becomes more prominent.

But beyond the mundane
color scheme,
there is a beauty
which can bring a calm

to even the most
empty of feelings.
These tiny, delicate
ruffled petals of

loveliness adorn
the trees from my
favorite afternoon walk—
accentuating the otherwise

deadened brown sprigs
of bark. Wholeheartedly,
I feel the frost-bitten vegetation
is thoroughly jealous of

the new spring babes
reaching their tiny arms
to the welcoming
Mother earth.

Each resembling bundles
of butterflies, fluttering
in a downward cyclone
of ethereal wonderment—

one may even describe
each imperfect flower as
an explosion of county fair
popcorn kernels popped perfectly—

or the intricate lace embellishments
on the hourglass framed bodice
of a virginal bride’s dress,
on her most joyous day.

And it’s because of a single
sunlight afternoon
that these chameleon-like
blossoms opened

exposing life that had been
hidden for months, safely
in it’s self-made cocoon.
A true annual gift of the season.