By a gently flowing creek –
I saw a swallowtail flutter
About my head, as though meek –
And land softer than a feather.
He was large enough, I swear –
To sit in all of my hand.
He did not mind that I was there
Or that I was entranced.
Soon, a second butterfly
Distracted him by swooping down –
His mate, I surmised.
How fiercely they swirled around!
Then breaking up, they moored
To sup water from the red rock
Like two tasters of one accord
Complimenting the good stock.
They were loving my attention –
At least it seemed so.
Raising their wings in the sun
Made a flash of black on yellow.
Then came a convenient wind;
The two undocked at bay
And taking quick advantage –
They sailed playfully away.