By a gently flowing creek –

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 bathed in the glorious sun –
   Posing candidly in a beam –
As if to show their dalliance
   Off for the wide world to see

Then came a convenient wind;
   The two undocked at bay –
And taking quick advantage –
   They sailed playfully away.