The Student and Butterfly


Butterfly, stop!  You mock my anxious ways
 With wings no thicker than one of my hairs,
Flying by so lightly in poesy days—
 O fluttering hope! in spite of life’s snares.
Now what about great storms, frost and heat?
 The powerful winds that wrack solid trees?
Butterfly, to survive it seems a feat—
 Life is merciless, a sting in each breeze.

Yes, here and there you fly, so nonchalant.
 A rose or a lily, all is for you—
Your flight must baffle a mental giant.
 Butterfly, whisper secrets—help me through.

Envy thee the delicacy I fly?
 Know God holds my wings, as I do.  Goodbye!