The Little White Butterfly

When I was little I saw the most awesome thing
A little white butterfly just as she was landing
But just as I was about to trap her, my momma said
Don't you dare touch it!  that butterfly is rare!

So I fled--

But later on when everyone was distracted
I found myself going back--she was so attractive
I found the little white butterfly among the plants
And I finally trapped her with patient persistence

I hid the little white butterfly in my jar, just a glass cup
I couldn't help myself--I kept looking at what I had caught
Later that day I smuggled her home into my room
I didn't want her out of my sight that afternoon

That night after I went to bed 
    my momma came in and said

    You need to know before you go to sleep:
    The butterfly you captured in that jar
    was not yours to hide or to keep
    You need to know it's going to starve
    The longer you keep it to show 
    The closer to death it will be
    You need to let it go: 
    Don't you see? 
        a butterfly is meant to be free

I tried to cry and I tried to beg but Momma insisted
She was the one who taught me patient persistence!
Finally she said that the little white butterfly could spend the night
And she hugged and kissed me after we prayed.... Good Night

The next day I went back to where I found my new friend
That place where first love began...that is where it would end
I opened the cup and let her go... just let her go...
At first she would not leave, but then she flew... she flew!

My heart was heavy and I cried right from the start
But there was a song of rejoicing from God in my little heart:

        Fly, butterfly, fly!
        Flap little white wings and touch the sky
            Fly, butterfly, fly!
        Fly over the treetops so high
                Fly, butterfly, fly!
                    No longer captive 
            Now you can live!
        Fly, butterfly, fly!

-- tim pickl
Tuesday May 24, 2005 A.D.

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