The Butterfly

In honor of “Remembrance Day,” students in Bretton Woods Coteachers Danielle Sukoff’s and Elia Figari’s 4th grade class made beautiful butterflies after reading the poem “Butterfly.” In this poem, the symbol of a butterfly was used to represent hope for those affected during the time of war. “One might think this bulletin board is just a pretty display, but to our students, it displays the true meaning behind hope and remembrance,” the teachers described. “Our students are taught to be tolerant and acceptant, and this Butterfly display is representative of just that.”

The Butterfly

The last, the very last,

So richly, brightly, dazzlingly yellow.

Perhaps if the sun’s tears would sing
against a white stone.

Such, such a yellow

Is carried lightly way up high.

It went away I’m sure because it wished to

kiss the world good-bye.

For seven weeks I’ve lived in here,

Penned up inside this ghetto.

But I have found what I love here.

The dandelions call to me

And the white chestnut branches in the court.

Only I never saw another butterfly.

That butterfly was the last one.

Butterflies don’t live in here,

in the ghetto.

Pavel Friedman 4.6.1942