Innocence and Butterflies

He watches the child from a distance, not wishing to disturb or intrude upon the moment. A butterfly has captured her attention, mesmerizing her, making her oblivious to all but the flutter of wing, the dance of color across a flawless sky.

He sketches to memory the innocence, the wistful joy, and intrigued imagination etched on the child's face, sparkling within her eyes. If only innocence could last forever...

'Daddy, why did God make butterflies?' the girl's softly asked question breaks the silence.

The man thinks for a moment, watching the winged beauty, before he speaks. 'Well, the butterfly is like a flying gardener, little one. It helps bring us pretty flowers and fruit we like to eat. And if we watch butterflies carefully they can tell us how healthy nature is. And I think they remind us that what may seem weak often is stronger than we can imagine. Remember when we watched  one come out of its coccoon?'

As if on cue the butterfly flits away onto a new journey and the girl's eyes shadow slightly but then she smiles. 'Yes, I remember and I suppose you're right but I think it's more than that.'

'And just what do you think it might be?'

'I think God just wants to show us that even an ugly old caterpillar can fool us!' The girl grins and skips away in search of another adventure.

The man is left stunned and silent... and swears he hears God chuckle, 'Indeed!'


© mdbadgerow 2009