Butterfly

my driveway, 4/21/26 10:38 a.m.

No one should have to die alone 
my thighs stick 
to the inhospitable asphalt
maybe I’m not so glad
it’s finally shorts weather after all 
the cardinals are waiting, 
respectful,
on the few intact teeth
of the  broken back fence’s smile
while the bluebirds sing a hymn
and blades of grass wave goodbye
no one should have to die alone
my eyes stick
gummy from pollen and pain
yellow wings try in vain
to flutter through this phase
but
wing veins no longer pulse
and the clover has no honey 
no one should have to die alone
I’m here, little one
your spirit is safe with me
I know my shadow
blocked your last rays of light
I’m sorry
I was just trying to make you 
a bed of leaves
to cushion your passage
I am not here to scare you
I am here
because no one 
should have to die alone 
so I’ll water your grave
with my tears