Monarch in Flight

I asked you once
Do you remember?
My question was
What creature are you
If you could choose one
Among all creation?

Your answer haunts me
After all these years.

You quickly answered.
I am a monarch butterfly, in flight
You said.

In the fog of enchantment
I thought your reply lovely.
I saw the magnificent color
The regal bearing
The flitting wings searching my garden.

I saw the fragility
The tender being
The tenacious freedom
In its wings of beauty and charm.

I saw it all
I thought.

But I missed one thing.

Butterflies fly away.