Black Butterfly Poem by Kirby Wright

We sprawl under the ficus
Ten feet apart

In my backyard
Which is the football field

On our campus.
I can’t speak the words

To ask you out
Because I’m certain

You’ll say ‘no.’
I’ve lost myself

And my confidence
After a decade or so

Of beatings
During butterfly season.

We remain
In this silent movie

Ten feet apart
All morning not speaking

But glancing often
Until a senior comes

And you leave me alone
Under the ficus.

I watch your shadow
Join with his

To become
A black butterfly

Flying off over grass
The day before graduation.