Butterflies

Butterflies flutter like a fairy.
Their wings are so delicate
They look so airy.

Their wings feel soft too, like a flower.
You may think they have magical power.

The thing I like best of all are the colours.
They remind me of a beautiful painting,
Also of colourful fish playfully swimming.

The very last time I saw a butterfly
I felt wide awake.
My heart was beating so fast,
As fast as a roller coaster ride would take.

It was the only thing on my mind
And made me feel like jumping.
Afterwards I felt all warm with love
And thought of my loving Ma.

Ruby Willows, Aged 10

First published in MACLA News Magazine No. 11 Summer 2003