Butterflies of Light

Butterflies of the earth
that playfully intersect
along the mountain of life,
through fields that cover decades
with verdant, plush carpets
and teasing lilies,
as the embrace of the sun
tickles them with wind.

Or like comets racing
across the night sky,
through the universe,
each with an intricate purpose.

Or like birds full of colour
who live their lives
pursuing each other—
but all the while
something else is taking place.

They tend Jehovah’s creation,
Jehovah’s earth,
by their very nature—

and the butterflies, too, bring
delight to his servants,
bring encouragement,
uncover Jehovah’s wisdom—

and peace, sweet placid peace,
as fresh as a spring day,
as sharp as the colours of fall,
as soft as the touch of your hand.

Those butterflies, like twinkles
of light, flutter around
the surface of God’s mountains,
doing his bidding.

Do not think that perhaps,
for now, we are not
but those beautiful
butterflies of light.

When it is God’s will
to create or beautify,
he will unite those
seemingly insouciant creatures,

and in the warmth
of their breath
they will spread
the Creator’s splendour

across the evanescent
illumination of day,
leaving light and heat
for the night.

Boston, Spring 1994
YDS