Holding on an Angel

The light summer breeze gently caressed the man's face
as he sat on the meadow, observing the butterflies dance on air;
myriad of floating kaleidoscopic colors, alighting here and there.
His heart was filled with joy at the knowledge that such beauty existed,
and it thrilled him to be alive.

As he extended his hand, a particularly striking butterfly
landed on his open palm, wings outstretched, as if inviting an embrace.
It made him smile. She did not flee when he took a closer look,
she did not fly away when he gently touched her wing.

"You are so beautiful" he whispered in his heart.

Suddenly, ominous dark clouds appeared on the horizon, and evil thoughts linger in his mind. But the butterfly remained with
the man, and he in turn remained on the meadow.

Thunder rang mightily, as the winds screamed all around him, while the
rain pounded his very soul. All the while he desperately wanted to drown himself in satirical delusion but a voice in his soul sought to
protect the delicate object holding his attention.

Soon it was over, though it seemed forever, and the sun smiled
upon him once more. Uncupping his hands, his heart rejoiced,
for she was still with him, wings outstretched, colors brilliant as ever.

Just then, a mighty voice rang from above, with an inquiry
for which the answer was already known.

"Tell me my son, why did you not let her go to seek shelter
when the storm approached?"

Puzzled, the man gazed skyward, and replied,

"Because she is worth holding on to..."

Then, smiling as he now gazed at her, he whispered...

"Because I am holding on an Angel..."