The Butterfly

For my daughter, Heather:

A turquoise butterfly with veins of sunflower yellow
Lit upon your chestnut hair
As you slept
under the Banyan tree.
It was beautiful.
You smiled serenely as it whispered
In your ear
Silent wings fluttering.
You were two.
Eight and forty seasons transcended, the whisper awoke
The chrysalis opened
The butterfly emerged.
And you are beautiful.