I saw a butterfly flutter by

A flash of color that caught my eye

Then, one morning, I also found

A butterfly upon the ground.

Its velvet wings heavy with dew,

I knew its journey was nearly through

But I was determined to at least try

To find a place where its wings could dry.

I placed it gently upon some wood

And like to think it understood

This was a place it could rest

And then, if it wished, continue its quest.

So I left it and continued on

With the chores to be done at dawn

And, later, when doing a round,

Found the butterfly, once again, upon the ground.

This time, though, I could tell

It would never move from where it fell –

Its wings, once outstretched and proud,

Were folded into a funeral shroud.

“Live fast, die young…”?

Will you return when Spring has sprung?

May there be plentiful Queen Anne’s Lace

Wherever you are, some other place.

I’ll look for you when flowers bloom,

Following the scent of heady perfume,

Beautiful Black Swallowtail, free of care,

Your spirit, unbound…and everywhere.

Learn more about the Eastern Black Swallowtail here.