Before my eyes a tiger swallowtail
settles on a white carnation
flutters off
then circles back again
to feed
for that brief moment
not a thought intrudes
later I think
what is it that I need
by way of miracles
surely this is enough
had I landed
on a distant planet
and witnessed this
a butterfly a flower
would the wonder of it
not suffice to scatter
a lifetime's cares
and doubts?