After The Butterfly Has Flown Poem by Jim Boone

'Well done' is what we want to hear
As another body lies lifeless
After the Butterfly has Flown
After Soul rejoins Spirit
Beyond Earth's atmosphere
Heaven bound.

It isn't important
In the final round
How often we were on top
On lying flat on the ground

No one will ask if we paid on time
Or kept ‘the man' away; did as ‘they' said
Succeeded or failed; decided to go or stay
As we followed our own individual path.

What's important is recorded
In every beat of the heart - in every pulse
Etched in each intention; ground in every grain
Moistened by every tear until another Angel
Comes to break the ‘chains' away
Delivering a message to every daughter and son:
'Come with me and rest. Well done, well done'.

2002


Jim Boone, US Poet Laureate Nominee 2012