He watches the child from a safe 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, he muses.

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

The man thinks for a moment, watching the winged beauty, before he speaks. 'The butterfly is like a flying gardener, little one, for it helps to bring us flowers and fruit. If we watch them carefully they can tell us how healthy nature is. And I think they remind us that what may seem fragile and easily broken often has an inner strength we sometimes overlook.'

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

'And just what do you think it might be?' he asks.

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

The man is left in stunned silence and swears he hears the Creator chuckle, 'Indeed!'

Innocence and Butterflies