The Mariposa Prayer

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Inspired by the journeys of butterflies, birds, and human migrants and refugees, Emily wrote this prayer for safe passage and welcome.

About the title of this prayer:
“Mariposa,” the Spanish word for “butterfly” in English, has long been one of my favorite words, both for its beautiful sound and for its deep cultural resonance. Career coach, humanitarian, and artist Lorena Mejia writes, “Whether it's the Mariposa's metamorphosis, migration, or ability to bridge different worlds, this humble creature serves as a profound symbol of the human capacity for change, renewal, and connection.” Many thanks to her for permission to use this quote in the colophon of The Mariposa Prayer. (Read Lorena Mejia’s full essay on the symbolism of the butterfly/mariposa in Latino/Latina culture here.) May the symbol of the Mariposa encourage us to live fully our capacities for resilience, for kindness, and for communal peace.

Text is hand-set in the Bembo family of metal types (cast by Michael & Winifred Bixler).
Letterpress printed in forest-green ink on Italian 100% cotton mouldmade Pescia paper.
Size: 12” x 8” (with deckled right edge). Unnumbered edition.
$22 each.

The Mariposa Prayer

May all beings who must leave
one place for another travel in safety.

May those who journey long distances
have enough food and shelter along the way.

May those who are arriving
in new lands be welcomed.

May all beings everywhere
find their true home.

May those who feel rooted remember
that we are all brief sojourners on this planet.

May those who have enough remember
when someone gave them help.

May those who feel safe remember
when someone sheltered them.

May those who belong in a community remember
that each of us has been the stranger as well as the neighbor.

May all beings be at peace together
wherever they land.

Photo at top is of a Mourning Cloak Butterfly that visited our place in May, 2026 (EEH).