Butterflies and Moonlight

 
“Write about butterflies,” she said
“and moonlight…”
And we wondered together
whether butterflies fly at night
“Well, maybe moths, then –
and something metaphorical…”
 
And we chatted about how it’s weird
that moths are drawn to light
but people, we’re drawn to darkness
--that metaphorical kind—
How we like to tempt fate,
poke at danger,
and find the outer edges of limits
before running home with our tails tucked…
“Or maybe that’s just me,” I say,
but she agrees… so maybe it’s just us,
and she laughs “thanks for those genes…”
 
And I feel the tiniest turn of the tide,
a loosening in a strained relationship  
And I recognize her struggle
against my tight cocoon-arms  
 
And I decide that yes,
I’m writing about a butterfly
 
And she is  
beautiful