Butterfly Nets

calm that wicked wind,
to pick you up
and carry you off eastward,
though i did release you
for to seek a warmer sky

should you be blown back
know that i will always run to greet you,
still surprised to catch you
every time

armed with this small butterfly net
only
i will face the world alone
and never be lonely

so calm that wicked wind,
and if you go, you could be gone forever
i will play awhile here
by and by and by and by -

armed with this small butterfly net
only
i will face the world alone
and never be lonely

up and up you go
for to steal the secrets of the heavens
will you share them with me
my bright & brilliant spy?

should you be blown back
know that i will always run to greet you
still surprised to catch you
every time

still surprised to catch you
by and by and by and by -

--by Bishop Allen