I falter at the steps before the brass doors. <br />A crucifix veiled in waxed flames, haloed <br />By garlanded Marys... <br />Does it wait beyond the cold, empty aisles? <br /> <br />Into what bed did I slip, calling, 'Daddy, I'm afraid'? <br />Father, I am afraid. <br />I want to replant every altared Easter Lily, <br />If only I were a gardener to use <br />These muddy fingers. <br /> <br />Didn't you know? Butterflies never die, but <br />Sleep under leaves all winter. <br />Unpainted wings on Judean hills echoed a God <br />The children should know of. <br />I would have taught them for Your sake... <br />And theirs. <br /> <br />But I dreamed of a cripple that I married once. <br />He tried to enter the door...and, with my flowers <br />I ran. And ran away, knowing the petals would <br />Wither. <br />The cripple loved You. <br /> <br />Aren't mornings more than clouds and a sun? <br />I've opened every one of your gifts...tags, string, <br />Shiny things. <br />No dirt or rocks, thorn or leaf, twisted root... <br />The treasures windows keep. <br /> <br />The curtains are too long in winter, when... <br />When whatever happens. <br />I believe in butterflies. <br />Pray to your God for me. <br />I cannot talk to strangers with candy <br />Or warm eyes.<br /><br />elysabeth faslund<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/butterflies-sleep-under-leaves/
