…in the shadows

Unnoticed in the shadows
of the dark woods of my soul
the soft sound
of butterflies breathing

escaping their confinement
ethereal wings beating
keeping time
with my trembling heart

petals in flight
silhouetted against the sky
gentle ripples of fragrance
blushing roses fade too early

trees whispering
in the passing breeze
a slender shaft of day, a leaf falls
surrendering to the moment

cherry blossoms are falling
leaves clinging to the night
their beautiful shadows
fluttering in their frailty

brief and transient
they fall and rest
for one small alluring moment
in their destiny

serenading the darkness
birds whisper in trembling tones
their soft refrain almost too hushed
too beautiful for me to hear
© Ann Bagnall