For Zoya

Time did not matter then Before the laying of the egg I only know the flower was beautiful As a star's heart making dust To carry bright desire. Your mother's mild wings flash In the light and was gone. I watched the tree still Praying the flower would not fall. It became a fruit - A lawn for you to crawl upon Then one day you changed again From puppa to chrysallis. Today, like your mother, You frolic in the sun, and I, I watch the boys with nets Who play with butterflies.