The Butterfly at Mass

Through sunlight shining
on sculptured stone
fragilely it flew.
Whisper of fading life
fluttering erratically
to rest in feeble flight
caressed by light
unknowing known.

Tattered wings fluttered
on warmed column
rising heavenward
to vaulted heights
like steepled hands
in frozen prayer
longing to tabernacle love.

To rest but not to stay
for loves frail passage
must trace its halting way
through haunts of hearts aching
toward the eternal day.