Spirit Butterfly
Traci Wilson
The mountain trail beckoned me
To leave my cares behind,
To enter nature’s majesty
And ease my troubled mind.
Food, water, walking stick?
Yes, I had it all.
Boots laced tight and first aid kit,
In case I took a fall.
Heading out, I donned my cap
And scanned the path ahead,
Oh no! I forgot the map,
No memory of what it said.
Do I dare continue now
Without a map or guide?
Could I find my way somehow?
On chance should I rely?
Indecision gripped my heart,
My mind warned do not dare!
When out of nowhere living art
‘Peared, floating on the air.
He flitted all around my head,
Bobbing to and fro.
And suddenly twas no more dread,
I’d know the way to go.
In vibrant color full of cheer,
Turquoise, gold and green,
He danced and teased away all fear,
Most splendid sight I’ve seen.
Ah, my little spirit guide
So delicate and strong,
In you my trust shall abide,
You’ll never steer me wrong.
With confidence I set my pace,
Hiking down the trail.
Contented glow shown on my face,
For I knew all was well.
Soaking in the majesty
Of everything around,
It suddenly occurred to me
My friend could not be found.
The day was warm, the air so still,
Sweet birdsong from the trees.
I wiped the sweat from my brow
And swatted at the bees.
Weary from my travel,
I sat upon a log,
That lay alongside brambles
Near what used to be a bog.
No longer wet and swampy,
The landscape was transformed,
Into a lovely meadow,
Wildflowers now adorned.
Without my friend to guide me
How can I know the way?
Oh, how I wish I could be
A butterfly today!
To shed the fear that’s gripped my heart
And frolic in the sun,
Amongst the flowers I would dart
Free and having fun.
Noble little spirit guide,
I’d put my trust in you.
I wish that you’d be by my side
So I could start anew.
I looked out o’r the meadow
So beautiful and green.
The flowers made a brilliant show,
So lovely and serene.
And then a movement caught my eye.
I turned and saw it settle.
My spirit totem reappeared,
Upon a flower petal.
Too hastily I moved t’ward doubt,
Despair did easily claim me.
Afraid that there was no way out,
I’d thought that he must save me.
But as I watched him dance and play,
A thought came to my mind.
In my heart I knew the way,
The path was mine to find.
He and I, we were as one,
Kindred spirits with a gift.
I sensed my journey’d just begun,
My spirit, we would lift.
I caught my breath,
Heart filled with joy,
To watch him bob and weave.
No circumstance can life destroy
When you’re willing to believe.
This is my spirit butterfly,
Always waiting for the chance,
To show his vivid color
And for me to start the dance.