Butterfly

I watch her as she runs
Gangly and un-natural.
"Look! A butterfly!"
She asks for a jar
One with a lid...
No, it's unattainable.
Around and around
She chases it.
Never pausing,
Always reaching,
The thin air never fills her grasp.
(no substance)
It's my job to protect her...
Show her the way...
It's just a...
"Butterfly!"
She's running,
By the pool,
She doesn't see the rise.
The crack in the cement.
Her foot catches it.
One quick pace forward is all I can manage.
(no endurance)
Then I see her face
The look that crosses.
And I know she realizes.
I pick her up,
Hold her in my arms.
Salty spots
Form on my shoulder as I rock her.
She realizes...
"Butterfly..."