Monarch Butterfly

What is this butterfly?

An old and tattered coat adorns this still beautiful butterfly, even in old age. What is this butterfly who came to rest in Botanica, the Wichita Gardens? I have called he or she a Monarch, but I can't be sure.

A child’s view of an old butterfly

In an autumn garden:

A child sees a butterfly

Its wings old and tattered

Whose color once bright

Now faded as the blossoms

But still pretty to a child

Who sees the world in pinks and golds

She says,

Do not fear

Stay awhile on my hand

And feel my gentle breath

Do not fly away

Rest  

For I think,

Of all creatures great and small,

God planned for you

To live this moment

In my garden flowers

With no hint of what’s to come