Once Upon A Butterfly

November PAD Challenge Day 16: Use Once Upon A (blank) for title of poem http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/poetic-asides/poetry-prompts/2011-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-16

Once Upon A Butterfly

Long ago, in another life,
butterfly fluttered through
open window. Whispered
how she’d brought a gift
to awaken my inner senses.

So it was, in flashing moment,
I saw jagged lines on crumpled face,
before he told us of death
of a friend while playing golf.

And later heard tapping beat
of dancing feet as she sought
balance at edge of hole at center
of her being. Felt her terror
that she might never learn
how to fill it.

On that long ago day, Butterfly said,
“Like me, you will sense whatever
is around you. Pull it in through
fragile skin and feel it deeply. But
only you can find perfect means
to release it.”

I became a poet.

Elizabeth Crawford 11/16/11