Starting from the concept in Koenig’s previous book, Butterfly–that the human soul passes through four basic stages, like the Butterfly, to reach maturity–in this book the soul transforms through four more phases of mature adult development.
Rabbi Michael Siegel
Anshe Emet Synagogue, Chicago
“Butterfly Songs is a singing description of the cycle of life, from physical maturity to building the temple of the soul-written within a great tradition. Throughout Jewish history the Shira (the song/poem) has been a spiritual source of movement from the individual toward the community and God.”
The late Tom Hawkins:
“‘I see the world in a grain of sand,
Heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of my hand,
Eternity in an hour.’
I believe William Blake would find these mirrored in the wonderful Butterfly Songs.”
Set One
1.
I see a bright autumn leaf fall-
No, it is a butterfly’s wings, rising.
2.
Out of a storm of thunder and lightning
Comes the sunny day of the butterfly.
3.
The images I have found for my songs
Come from the image storehouse of the world.
4.
My songs are simple conclusions
Summed up from a lifetime of learning.
5.
These short, direct songs
Seem like utterances of a master.
6.
Another song written, another question answered—
My father and mother are singing and dancing.
7.
Where the river of wisdom begins to flow,
Ride on it while you can—be thankful.