Building My Own Garden

By Tanie Natung

I saw a butterfly hovering,

In shades of white, red, and blue,

Over a lovely flower in the park,

Its petals bright with morning dew.

I ran after it, eager to catch,

As it flitted from bloom to bloom;

Each time it darted out of reach

I persisted, ever ready to resume.

In the pursuit, I saw many more,

Each more enchanting than the last;

I was dazzled and lost in wonder,

Unsure which to follow or hold fast.

A realization in me dawned—

―Better to attract than to chase,‖

So I set about at once to build,

A garden within my own space.

I gathered tools — a shovel, a trowel,

A hoe, a rake and a watering can;

Tilled the earth with love and care,

And planted seeds that grew as planned.

I chose the flowers I desired,

Their colours, scents, and forms;

Whether perennial or seasonal

Their growth was by my own norms.

Now butterflies come in plenty,

Fluttering over blossoms in endless rows,

Bringing me joy, peace and calm,

And a serenity that steadily grows.

By Tanie Natung