Reading Linda M. Crate’s poem, “Butterfly Dance,” reminded me of how powerful those small, memories can be when tied to the people we love most.

In her piece, the butterflies act as both a vibrant part of the scene and a symbol. Linda tells us together a joyful and reflective memory from her parents’ yard, connecting the beauty of nature directly to her grandmother.

When I asked Linda about the heart of the poem, she shared how a single moment in time can leave a lasting imprint:

“It’s the joyful experience of witnessing a part of nature’s beauty. How one single moment can really become more important than one might first imagine. It’s been years since I have seen that butterfly dance and yet it still is in my mind’s eye.”

That spirit of affection shines through in her favorite line from the piece:

“she is kind and gentle as the butterfly with wings soft as rose petals kissing our lives with the fragrance of her love”

As Linda explained, “I think it just shows how much of a gentle and loving spirit my gran has. It shows how she connects with one of her favorite creatures: the butterfly.”

You can read Linda’s poem in the Verseve Butterflies Anthology