Butterfly

 
 
 

Yellow butterfly,
 
beware the hungry robin
 
eyeing you at noon.

Cat

 
 
 

Yellow butterfly,
 
the cat and her black kitten
 
keep their eyes on you.

Awe

 
 
 

Yellow butterfly,
 
the monk removes his sandals
 
in awe of your grace.

Vigil

 
 
 

Yellow butterfly,
 
how long will you keep vigil
 
at my father’s grave?

Passport

 
 
 

Yellow butterfly,
 
you do not need a passport
 
for the trips you take.

Pallbearer

 
 
 

Yellow butterfly,
 
the pallbearer’s left shoulder
 
is your resting place.

Butterfly

 
 
 

Yellow butterfly,
 
too many summers have passed
 
since you went away.