In Response To A Sign At School That Says "Throw Away Your Trash; It's Easier Than Chasing Butterflies"

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In Response To A Sign At School That Says "Throw Away Your Trash;
It's Easier Than Chasing Butterflies"

by Jenna Mia Strauchen

Chasing butterflies is easy-

you see something beautiful out of the corner of your eye and your feet
just start moving towards it on their own.

Soon they are there every time you close your eyes-
delicate wings flapping, vivid colors burnt into your irises.
Anything so fragile, so free must be pinned down, possessed.
The flutter of wings haunts dreams.
You toss restless, weighed down by the ache.

Catching butterflies is hard-
and if you ever do, it's not long before their wings crumble
in your palm. Their fragility is now a thing to despise.
Next to their vivid hues, your pale, doughy hand is both plain
     and utterly flawed.
Their beauty is now a thing to despise.

But, years after, you are still changed. 

All your dreams stained by their watercolor patterns,
your heart beating in time to the ceaseless flutter of wings. 

You know it won't be long before
you are chasing them again.

Chasing butterflies is hard- 

you should probably just throw out your trash.