Illusive Butterfly

BY CAROLE MADDOX NICHOLS

Twas not so long ago, she was a larve small;
Wrapped in a tight cocoon, hard to breathe at all.
But wonderous things do happen in the magic of the night;
The prison, it did open, and she began her fancy's flight.

Freedom's air is heady as her wings begin to dry,
She flutters them softly, and then, begins to fly.
The sweet taste of freedom is something she's never known;
How special it is to find it now, when her life is almost gone.

She dances among the flowers that reflect her rainbowed glory;
She shows herself to the world and longs to tell her story.
But she can't linger long, there's so much to see and do;
So many things to know and learn before her life is through.

Many will see and love her, though none can touch her wings;
She must stay free to dance her dance, and see what tomorrow brings.
You may want her and all that she is, but she can never be yours;
A butterfly alights for a while, then into the sky it soars.

You may love her, but don't be sad when she flies away;
A butterfly's life is very short; she knows that she can't stay.
Should you try to hold her, you'd mar the beauty that gives her flight;
Fancy's dance would end too soon, she'd fade away into the night.