Ode To Malanda



I remember watching you take your first breath

Gently unfurling your body towards your mother's breasts

I remember the first day the sunshine struck your eyes

As I became transfixed in their green splendor

From then on you were to be Malanda

That which exists in pure mystical grace

A name created just for you

And you truly for the name

Growing with the depth of your eyes,

You enjoyed your youth

Sunshine fascinated you

As did the butterflies

They were the entertainment of the day

You tried so hard to fly with them

'Til you almost did

But you always brought them to the ground

Though proud, you seemed a sense of sad

Knowing the game was over

My Malanda, who seemed to grow wings

Power and speed always with you

With that dash of grace

To never be caught off guard

Even asleep you seemed perfect, smooth, and soft

Always facing to the sun's warmth

Though now you are forever gone from me

You truly have acquired your wings of grace

Having earned an eternity of butterflies

And catnaps in the sun


Jana Drake
8-18-79
Copyright © by the author, all rights reserved.

Created with loving thoughts of my own butterfly chaser, Mr. Peabody.
A gentle soul who came to play with me one Christmas long ago.