an old butterfly seen through a child's eye

an old butterfly at Botanica, the Wichita Gardens

A child’s view of an old butterfly

In an autumn garden:

A child sees a butterfly

Its wings old and tattered

Whose color once bright

Now faded as the blossoms

But still pretty to a child

Who sees the world in pinks and golds

She says,

Do not fear

Stay awhile on my hand

And feel my gentle breath

Do not fly away

Rest  

For I think,

Of all creatures great and small,

God planned for you

To live this moment

In my garden flowers

With no hint of what’s to come