all those beautiful people - I want to have them, I want to have them all
these are my butterflies she told him
and unbuttoned the top of her dress
they fluttered around other flowers
until they landed on me
may I kiss them? he asked
you can’t kiss butterflies she said
just any old time
besides I must show you
my opera house she said
and shimmied out
of what was left under her dress
he fell to his knees
and looked up at her
I am a taxi pulling up to the curb he said
with a very nervous opera fan in the back seat
I’m always worried that
I’ll miss my favorite part of the opera
what part is that? she asked
un-shouldering his jacket
everyone’s sudden intake of breath
he said the instant violins swoop in
you’re not too late she said
and pulled him closer
her butterflies above his head
shimmering like streetlights
or stars.
(с) Denver Butson
and unbuttoned the top of her dress
they fluttered around other flowers
until they landed on me
may I kiss them? he asked
you can’t kiss butterflies she said
just any old time
besides I must show you
my opera house she said
and shimmied out
of what was left under her dress
he fell to his knees
and looked up at her
I am a taxi pulling up to the curb he said
with a very nervous opera fan in the back seat
I’m always worried that
I’ll miss my favorite part of the opera
what part is that? she asked
un-shouldering his jacket
everyone’s sudden intake of breath
he said the instant violins swoop in
you’re not too late she said
and pulled him closer
her butterflies above his head
shimmering like streetlights
or stars.
(с) Denver Butson