I was searching for quiet amidst all the noise: Yet another tariff, more school violence, inflation, wars.

The scorching heat of our record-breaking summer had broken. A shy coolness was in the air.

I'd washed the sheets, and since I love the smell of sunshine, I took them outside to dry on the line.

And that's when I saw her. A butterfly as big as a bird.

Each time she floated into view, I began savoring my own precious time.

Hanging up the sheets, I smiled at the thought of lying down that night and smelling the sunshine again.

In the whisper of butterfly wings, I found quiet amidst all the noise