Olinka landed

 

She came to me across the hall

A young Czech girl not very old

She walked with me

Then placed her hand in mine

We swung our arms as in a dance

And skipped along

Before I made a sign

That we perchance

Could join the crowds 

And go outside

 

Once there we threw a ball for fun

With little conversation

Just laughs and smiles

And simple introduction

“  My name’s Olinka “ ...

“ Hello, I’m John “

 

I found out later 

She was so in need of kindness

Friendship, love

Her father a bully, a heavy – handed,

Joyless man

With iron glove

A product of his childhood

​

Olinka’s gift

 

Sometime beyond she came to me

Bearing gifts that would be placed within my treasury

A box of special things I keep

 

The first a pencil drawing

Of a butterfly

The next a picture of her,

A Romany

A girl aged 12, a child

A portrait of her wedding day

With flowing dress and large bouquet

The man with whom she stood that day

Was me

I love you John

The signature beneath

And all I’d done was smile

Show kindness to a growing child

Whose dreams of future happiness

Were given wings that day

The day Olinka came my way

 

Butterfly landed

​

And then 

As if to emphasise

To underline 

Italicise…..

Whilst outside in the glorious sun

A butterfly

With stuttering flight

Chose to alight 

Upon my chest

And rest awhile

For much,, much longer

Than I could hold

My breath

And stare and smile

In awe and wonderment

An honour, a privilege,

A kairos moment

 

First the girl

Then the creature

Came to me….

I could not fail to see the symmetry

 

Fragility

Vulnerability

Gentleness

Sensitivity

Beauty

Openness

Simplicity 

Naivety

 

 

As on a single glorious and unforgettable day

 Olinka and the butterfly came my way

.