Late, all those bloodied rabbits 

crushing the butterfly’s wings. 

Hurtful curses

and words of bliss: Why?

Aren’t the Gods listening?

Mushed wings on shredded ice…

to have memories disintegrate 

with the carefree wind beneath 

the dim glow, as shadows lay

due to 

its 

neglect.

No longer could dew drops be kept up

to make up for poisonous roses 

and blissful letters. Lips 

cracked– continue dancing and

crying on the edge of the cliff that eroded 

due to its crudity and imperfection. 

Paper butterfly, why colour wings red? 

Written by Vanessa Li and edited by Yiyang Cao. Published on 27/8/23. Header image by Emma Li.