I'd love to be a butterfly,
But what price those silky wings?
I stop to watch one flutter by,
As to a garden, beauty brings.

I'd love to be a songbird,
But what price that soothing voice?
Through the summer all day long heard,
With sweet strains its life rejoice.

I'd love to be a household cat,
But what price its life of ease?
Playful; pampered, quietly sat,
With just itself to please.

I'd love to be a splendid tree,
But what price that noble figure?
Flourishing for all to see,
Growing fuller; ever bigger.

For a simpler life, the price to pay,
Would be so very great.
Many things we'd forfeit; cast away,
To a dull, unpleasant fate.

Though life seems kind to all of these,
We see but finite gifts.
Which colour life, our senses please,
And art, our spirit lifts.

There's a wisdom in life's creatures,
And of each, we're free to learn.
From their distinctive, unique features,
An understanding we can earn.

The butterfly, its gentle grace,
The bird, its cheerful song.
The cat which finds a quiet place,
The tree, both tall and strong.

Our lives are rich, but richer still,
For nature's veiled example.
To admire and emulate at will,
But without its fate to sample.