Another Poem from A Bee Named Bea

A BUTTERFLY NAMED ARIN

 by Candace A. Dietz

A butterfly named Arin—

That’s Arin with an “A”—

Fluttered and flitted, floated and flew

Around the yard all day.

“Arin,” said her mother,

“Can’t you please sit still?”

And Arin, happy Arin, said,

“Oh, sure, of course I will!”

She tried to keep her wings still

And nap for a few minutes.

But trying to be quiet—

There just was no fun in it.

Though she was really trying,

Arin started to giggle

When one wing then the other wing

Began to twitch and wiggle!

She laughed aloud and fluttered around,

Then tried to be still again.

“Oh my, oh dear,” said Arin,

“I cannot seem to win!

I just have so much energy

That sitting still won’t work for me!”

So her wise and wonderful mother said,
“I know just what to do.

We’ll sign you up for gymnastics.

It’s perfect for someone like you!”

And Arin, happy Arin

Was even happier still:

“Will I do gymnastics?

You bet your wings I will!”

So Arin joined gymnastics class

And flopped and fluttered and flew

And high-vaulted and back-flipped

And cartwheeled loop-di-loo.

That afternoon at rest time—

It’s hard to believe but true—

Arin was still and quiet.

And she took a long nap, too.