Wounded Butterfly

delicate wings, lithe body
resting on the edge
folding, unfolding in the
warmth of the sun

breezes cool the heat
belie the coming storm
resting and waiting
in a masquarde of safety

sudden change, unseen and swift
winds tearing at the
peaceful rest
rain pelting and ripping

butterfly falls, unable to
find the edge again,
useless wings, torn and shredded
blinded and afraid

finally landing on the
hard ground, cold
wet, mud-covered
and in pain

safety gone,
warmth turned to cold
looking up into the
darkness of night

strength fades
confidence wanes
deep pain invades
the once-full heart

time must pass
storm must run
its course and move away,
to find another

time ticks slowly
never-ending minutes
turn into days and nights
and days again