new neighbor in the garden
golden, winged cape with black
swirls
edged in black.
ruffled tail.

graceful, fluttering, gossamer

slender body,
strong and fluid,
visiting the fragrant

august blooms.
magenta, crimson, gold
and soft pink whites.

so many greens
don't interest as
sunlit warm hues
beckon and speak
to the stranger
in unheard voices.

passing through a moment
of sparkling light, here —
and gone,
the tiny traveler
rides the soft breeze
to the next
tempting display of summer
gifts.

urged to run for a camera
I find the pen instead
to remind myself —
enjoy this world,
one butterfly at a time.