Makes you hate the world when
beauty turns its back—stained

glass wings pirouette on lavender
lantana, heliotrope, nothing.

Makes you wish for winter. I have
used all my patience, humor, charm, put

myself second—tried

to be friends with a butterfly, following
around the yard, alleys, down

streets into others’ yards. All ended
for us by the mailbox. No farewell.

Just a breeze, a kid passing
on a bike.

Appeared in Sugar House Review, Summer 2024