Just now:

the first golden-orange monarch of August has appeared

at the bright purple butterfly bush in our front yard,

backlit in the early morning sun, like a

floating stained glass window,

descending, rising, turning,

arriving on the breath of God

to help us through these painful times in our world.

Landing now, slowly opening and closing its wings

as if it has just come out,

this butterfly

lingers a good long time,

savoring the nectar,

drinking deep...

it is very hungry!