Catching Butterflies

Landon Miller • May 5, 2024

Once I caught a butterfly,

simply just to have it.

Cupped hands and clipped wings

made for a flightless little creature

— And those can last a little while

But,

It never seems to end well.

And I’m sorry, that I couldn’t be

what you needed at the time,

and I’m sorry, when we pass

and smile.

I’ve found relief in release,

but I can’t tumble through this

without something steady

to hold on to;

Maybe it’s best to wait,

to resign to my backyard garden

and my books,

and my wood gripping fingers

and steel toe boots,

and finally be content.

And I think I am now;

But,

Just when I thought I had given up catching butterflies,

Here you come,

And I can’t help myself.