THE BUTTERFLY

 

I walk in the park with a yellow orange sky

white clouds sprinkled here and there

buds are blinking on trees

shouting out that spring is about

to explode in red, pink, yellow, white blossoms

and come summer the leaves will shroud us

from the sun on fire

 

My little one is cheery this afternoon

she hops and skips to catch my long stride

at once I hear a shriek, a squeal

look around and a stunning yellow

and black butterfly touches down

upon my daughter’s small arm

 

Her hand quivers with laughter

and fright

I enlighten her with little hints of

the game plans

hold your hand open and steady

the butterfly will be you friend

if you stroke him, he may fly

to befriend another little girl

 

She affirms my words and walks step by step

gingerly she moves like a sluggish snail

guarding every footprint on the path

considerate of the tiny butterfly

 

I eyeball her to be certain that we are in sync

near the finish of the walk, I caution her

that we must be getting home

she raises her head with persistent eyes

I discern that evidence

my voice amplifies

she turns with her back to me

I repeat my words

to see her stormy face

outstretched arm

a crushed butterfly stains her yellow hands

 

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

The light touch is something kids must learn. It's one reason wild animals prefer to stay wild.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you John for a perceptive review..
Warmly, B

[Stella Armour]

aww bless, poor girl would not know its fragility .... and they ae so delicate .
I hope she understood that these things happen and she will have learned a sad lesson from it..

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you dear Stella for your understanding review
Warmly, B

[Pete]

love/a heart is delicate, fragile and vulnerable whether of a mother's for a child, or innocent curiosity. very nicely told and woven ... :)

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Pete, I appreciate YOU!
Warmly, B

[Ken Simm.]

A true moral in this story. A fragile, in more ways than one personal theme I can identify and empathise with.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Ken for your lovely review!
Warmly, B

[jacob erin-cilberto]

poor daughter's conscience for an accident...
so sad.
I was reminded of the old song by Bob Lind...."I chase the elusive butterfly of love"
Love embraces can be deadly.
j.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you J. for your interesting words!
Warmly, B

[Poetic Beauty]

Unfortunately many things in life are fragile and if we are not careful they can get crushed without meaning to cause the devastation.

I love the imagery painted in this poem. From the clouds to the description of the butterfly.

[Betty Hermelee]

Nice to see you back! Thank you for your lovely review
Warmly, B

[Cherrie Palmer]

Beauty is fragile and needs a delicate hand.

Your journey was delightful filled with colorful scenery and a tiny lesson 🦋

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Cherrie for an intuitive review!
Warmly, B