Karen’s Butterfly

I watched as she lingered,
danced and flitted away.
I marveled at her timeless beauty,
the gentle grace and fearless ease
with which she passed by my person.

She paused to rest
lounged amidst my hands,
But languished in the confines.
Lifting her upward,
I gently gave her to the wind.

I could have caged her
to hold her here with me,
but to linger longer would be suffering
when she only yearned to be free.

Fly away now, butterfly.
I'll meet you in the breeze.

Catherine Schmidt