The child stands forlorn
In the garden. He waits for
Something amusing.

A butterfly flits
Atop a silver flower.
She dances with it.

Awed, the boy reaches
To stroke her paper-thin wings
She dodges his fingers.

Blue butterfly wings
Flutter, exhibiting life.
They're untouchable.

She lingers. Teases.
But soon, another scented
Bud lures her away.

A vivid snapshot.
Her dainty wings float on air.
The childish chase begins.

He cannot reach her.
Clumsy hands grasp vacant air.
He huffs, frustrated.

Taking a leap, smack!
He claps his palms around her
And he runs inside.

A cupboard opens,
The boy drops her in a jar.
The lid seals her fate.

The boy admires
Her magnificent splendour.
Up close, her wings glow.

Thrashing in her cage,
She is delicate, helpless.
Tears fall to the floor.

As guilt settles in
He knows what he must do to
Lay his mind to rest.

She longs to be free.
Graceful. Pure. All that completes
The essence of beauty.

The lid of the jar
Opens, and in a flash, the
Butterfly is gone.