Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, MY BUTTERFLY, by CHARLES LOUIS HENRY WAGNER


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

MY BUTTERFLY, by                    
First Line: As the butterfly held in the mesh of the net
Last Line: Which lies in the depth of a kiss!
Subject(s): Butterflies; Insects; Bugs


As the butterfly held in the mesh of the net,
So have I caught you, darling, at last,
'Twas a right merry chase which I'll never forget
You led me in days which are past.

Your poor little wings are worn out with the flight,
They were strong and defiant at start,
But now they're outstretched as a proof of Love's might
And are pinned on the walls of my heart.

But, unlike the insect which dies when impaled,
Your capture and pinions have seemed
To invigorate life, and my heart is assailed
With regrets such as I've never dreamed.

I know I've no right to steal you away,
You were happy when sipping the dew
From the sweet-scented rose and the hyacinths gay
Which God must have meant just for you.

But wantons like me never think till too late,
Nor regret till regrets are in vain,
We pluck where we will and we quarrel with Fate
When denied the things we would gain.

I'm sorry if I, in my long, cruel race,
To capture so pretty a thing,
Have forgot all but self and delights of the chase,
And the hopes which a capture might bring.

But there,—never mind, I shall set you free;
Look! here are the pins in my hand,
If you will, you may fly to your flowers, and be
The same rainbow queen of the land.

What! staying around when you might go your way?
'Tis madness, O Butterfly mine,
Did I crush your poor wings so you really must stay
And weep for the past that was thine?

No, no, pretty one, love heals every wound,
I've guessed why you stay,—'tis just this:
There's honey as sweet as in flowerets found
Which lies in the depth of a kiss!





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