In Little Rock’s rain, my friend Melissa
celebrates vast swirlings of butterflies
sweeping past her car. Senses a message.
Hours later, my daughter Catherine spies
swarms of printed Monarch stickers on sale
in a Guadalajara shop. Buys them
all for arts projects. I recall Greek tales
of ancient Athens, poets with anthems
honoring their Grass Jewel as the soul;
now sense their flying ghosts saluting dear
Melissa. Mexico’s Aztecs retold
tales of Monarchs as protectors from fear,
reborn spirits of dead warriors. They come
now, guardians to guide my daughter home.
Roger Armbrust
January 9,
2013
