by Michael Plante

Secrets buried beneath the soil
thought forgotten by those that deceive
but all misdeeds cut the soul
and blackness seeps out like blood.
The structure that houses their God
falls silent in the night
the sickness remains
the floors rotten.

At dusk they fall to their knees
and God’s eyes look down
what gets them through the night
shall strangle them by dawn.

Butterflies dream at night
just like the rest of us
they dream in color and listen
to the music that fortifies their soul
new beginnings instill strength
when the dawn calls them out of their dreams
they are ready.

As the butterflies dream
fireflies rise from the soil
little flashes of light in the dark
exposes secrets that were hidden away
each flash a story that reach the dreamers
each story reaching the eyes of God.

Fireflies sing out in the night
in silent muse where remorse never exists
little fluttering wings that pierce the darkness
becoming stars for all to see.
Mindful stories absorb at sunset
when the hand of time is struck.

We awaken to the truth when the darkness arrives
and dream in color like butterflies at night.

Image: Watching Fireflies on a Summer Night
by Mishima Shoso