The text Des papillons sous les pas was published in an illustrated format designed with the artist Rolf Ball. During the production of the play by the Arketal Company, Rolf Ball created the set design for the show. The work contains some of the typical features of Jean Cagnard's writing: a poetic style, the use of allegories, and the presence of long stage directions to indicate more than what is seen on stage.

Young Chorten and his guide walk through the Himalayas, forced into exile to escape the invaders who have occupied their country. Chorten does not want to leave his country, but the guide explains that it is necessary to continue living. On the way, they encounter a Yak, who will lead them to the neighbouring country. They also meet two other children, young Tsangpo and his sister Song, who are also on the run. The journey is hard and tiring, and the little Tsangpo cannot resist the cold of the mountains. Shortly afterwards, the Yak also abandons them. Chorten and Song are exhausted, but the guide convinces them to continue their journey. And finally they arrive: the signal is a light cloud of butterflies surrounding the children.