A BREATH OF FORTITUDE

in the madness of the fertile lands,
a red blossom and its red leaves―
and from its seed, red caterpillars
bending into Red admirals, strong
in wing and shape, a rugged Vanessa

do not mistaken fractures in the sea
for weakness of the heart, soul sickness―
she knows the beauty of self and water

from her place on the shore of power,
a current: she flips into the air, sails
within the wind, reflects on strength
and courage. Sometimes a butterfly
becomes human and changes the world