One day I sat alone
when it settled on my arm
A lovely little butterfly
someone had done it harm

It had a damaged wing
which was very badly frayed
It made me feel quite special
I was happy when it stayed

Although it had been damaged
to everybody's eye
It was still a very valid
and delightful butterfly

I seemed to make it happy
it appeared to feel secure
But a sudden movement by me
and it was there no more

Eventually it came again
my fondness for it grew
But when I tried to touch it
up in the air it flew

Whenever it would come back
I tried to show I care
Each time it would feel safer
returning to the air

One time I thought I'd hurt it
as I tried to hold it tight
It stayed away a long time
before It did alight

Attempting to persuade it
to stay a little longer
I always seemed to scare it
but my need became much stronger

Eventually it flew away
high up in the sky
Often I catch sight of it
as it goes flying by

Butterfly's are delicate
they need to feel they're free
I'll never try to hold one
if one ever lands on me