In days of youthful heady daze
I'd follow butterflies
and run through dewy reeds and fields
and hum sweet lullabies

And when I caught a butterfly
and touched its gold-flecked dust
I did not dare to think or care
it's frail life might be crushed

When summer rain drenched hair and clothes
I'd dance without my shoes
and often sought a rainbow's end
with colors to amuse

Now I am old and have regrets
from my foolhardy youth
those rainbows and fair butterflies
show me a fearsome truth

The beauty of a butterfly
can not be held or touched
nor can the rainbow play of light
be captured or be clutched

How painful was the loss of love
when I held on so tight
to a most treasured soul who fled
and left me in the night

How fleeting is the thrill enjoyed
in trapping what must soar
no one can hold it very long
or capture anymore

In days of youthful heady daze
I'd follow butterflies
and run through dewy reeds and fields
and hum sweet lullabies.

Liilia Talts Morrison

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/rainbows-and-butterflies-3/