Elizabeth Mccann Poet Free verse

Catching Butterflies

The black and orange dust
comes off on my fingers
revealing the fragile mesh
so easily crushed
therefore brave

I was troubled
the color was so loose
so removable to my hand
but even more at the
transparency beneath

Oh, don't go catching butterflies
until you are prepared to see
the underpinning delicate and clear
where there is courage
destructibility and fear

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Timothy Ray August 12, 2026 at 7:21 PM I have never had the urge to catch a butterfly and take the lesson of fragility herein....great advice

Linda Alice Fowler March 18, 2024 at 11:35 AM I enjoyed this one very much Elizabeth. I didn't want to catch them by the wing after the first time I saw that fragility. :)

Silpika Kalita March 17, 2024 at 7:31 AM Wonderful with the realistic essence and with depth analysis with effortless flow. Regards

Beata Agustin February 17, 2024 at 3:45 AM Thanks for sharing this... exposing your thoughts through your unique poetic style. Meanwhile, I greet you with the love of the Lord, expressed by John 3:16 of the Bible, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Be blessed.

Gary Radice September 11, 2023 at 1:46 AM Time, I thought, for an Elizabeth McCann poem that makes me think; one that has more layers to it than first appears. You didn't let me down with this one. Great last stanza. Cheers - Gary

Jim Slaughter June 24, 2023 at 10:39 AM I love to have one light on my hand, but I try never to "rub" one's wings. Great imagery, here, Elizabeth.

Jan Allison June 19, 2023 at 2:18 PM what exquisite imagery Elizabeth and a reminder we should steer well clear of these beautiful creatures and let them dance on the wind:-) hugs Jan xx

Ann Peck May 11, 2023 at 2:18 PM I love this, Elizabeth! It's so tender and caring.

Nancy Kaufman May 7, 2023 at 5:50 AM ah such a potent and deep write by a very clever lady. enjoyed.

Gershon Wolf May 2, 2023 at 9:35 PM Impressive impressions here, Elizabeth... and wise counsel! ~ Butterfly lover Elizabeth Mccann May 3, 2023 at 3:42 PM "We always hurt the one we love" was it the Platters? That's the tune in my ear. Good to hear from you, Gershon. Elizabeth

I Am Anaya May 2, 2023 at 10:05 AM A fancy moth is what some say, ‘til they're taken aback by flair’s array Milkweed flowers in her garden Honeydew nectar a feast to regard in. It's true Elizabeth, enjoyed! Elizabeth Mccann May 3, 2023 at 3:40 PM Lovely addition to my thoughts. Thank you, Anaya! Elizabeth

Daniel Turner May 2, 2023 at 7:44 AM Yes touching them is a bit worrisome. They are indeed very fragile. An enjoyable read about a lovely subjet, Elizabeth. Hoping you are well:) Elizabeth Mccann May 3, 2023 at 3:45 PM Yes, we are cumbersome creatures. I was thinking about those very young teenagers, too, unthinkingly seductive. (Well/not well- who knows what you're going to wake up to!) Elizabeth

Tom Cunningham May 2, 2023 at 4:53 AM I love to see them in summertime performing their aerial ballet. Tom Elizabeth Mccann May 3, 2023 at 3:48 PM Me, too, like ballet itself, they allow my inept, inapt limbs to believe for a moment that they can soar and dive and pirouette! Elizabeth

Lin Lane May 2, 2023 at 3:52 AM G'morning, Elizabeth. I've helped my daughter collect and care for butterfly eggs and caterpillars for years. Keeping up with providing enough milk weed is a labor of love. Only 5% left on their own manage to survive. To watch them emerge from the chrysalis is a wondrous thing. To release them in flight is an amazing gift. Elizabeth Mccann May 3, 2023 at 3:50 PM What a fantastic hobby to have! And a wonderful relationship as well. Lucky man. Fortunately, I am lucky, too! Elizabeth