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Sport 40: 2012
Butterflies
page 33
Butterflies
There were butterflies in among the lavender—
how long they had been there I have no idea
so many times I lifted my eyes towards them
thinking of other things,
and never thought: butterflies.
It was three days ago now finally I saw them
and today there is only the bright flinty sunlight
it’s colder, the lavender is plainer: they’re gone.
And now I think they must have been there all summer
the crowd of them, and every one in a pair
not allowing themselves to be scattered or blown
they stayed, going nowhere but here
half dropping, weakly beating, a simple host
who found our lavender their place of pleasure
drinking in the sun, the nectar, and each other.