The Caterpillar

There once was a little caterpillar
Who to a stranger seemed quiet and shy
 But inside the wondrous little creature
Were many gifts - the kind that money can't buy
The caterpillar had many friends
Some of them young and some of them old
And touched so many different lives
Especially the children's I'm told
This caterpillar loved the ocean
And warm summer nights on the beach
She was funny and kind and generous
It seemed as though nothing was far beyond her reach
Then one night, this caterpillar left
Taking with her so many dreams
The ones left behind were so very sad
Their hearts would never heal it seemed
They looked up to the seas
Asking for some answers
For their pain to be eased
Then down from the heavens came an innocent voice
Soft as an angel's saying "Please don't you cry
For I once was a little caterpillar
But now I'm a magnificent butterfly."
Then she spread her beautiful wings and said
"Though we may be apart -
I will always be with you
In your smile, your thoughts and your heart."

GEM 11/99