by Judy Furniss

Created on: August 11, 2008   Last Updated: July 18, 2010

The Moth and the Butterfly

A moth and a butterfly started a fight
over who was the fairest in nature's sight.

"I", said the moth, "am more handsome than you.
Your wings are too bright and their color too blue."

"Alas it's true, my wings are blue,
not brown and drab like the wings on you.
People enjoy my delicate ways,
take pictures of me on summer days."

The moth flew over to the butterfly's side

unwilling to yield or swallow his pride.

"Indeed, I come out when the sun goes down
and fly around all over town.
My beauty can't be seen from afar
So children put me in a jar.
They admire my splendor and say nice things
and gently touch my handsome wings."

"Why don't we ask the wise black crow?
He'll tell us who's fairer, he will know."

The moth and the butterfly fluttered away
to see what the bird would have to say.
The crow listened carefully with nary a word,
a hard thing to do for a squawky bird.

When the butterfly and moth had their say
The bird turned his head and looked away.
He was deep in thought for quite a while,
Then he turned back to them with a loving smile.

"The only difference between you is the name,
from my point of view, you both taste the same.
You don't know what tomorrow brings
so stop arguing about each others wings.
Every day is a blessing to live,
share your blessing, to others give.
Life is too short to not get along
we all are God's creatures, to him belong.
Go share with others what you learned from me
I have things to do, now leave me be."

The moth and the butterfly flew away
heeding the lesson they learned that day.
They now understand that pride is a sin,
never argued about who's fairest again.

Learn more about this author, Judy Furniss.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.