Kannadez an nevez-hañv

MESSENGER OF SPRING

 

I have seen a yellow butterfly

Flying in the deep path,

 Turning and dancing

And she's joyful, and she's vibrant.

 

The primroses quivered

And said to one another:

---Well look at her zigzagging!

Is she drunk? Or is she frolicking?

Drunk with the perfume of the pussywillows,

Or dazzled with the gold of the heath?

 

The narcissus, they greeted her

And asked her to come to them---

Humbly with heads inclined,

Smiling under their hats---

But, toward the violet

The butterfly descended,

The violet of blue eye!

 

...The narcissus are heartbroken...

 

June 1968.