In an opal dream cave I found a fairy: br Her wings were frailer than flower petals, br Frailer far than snowflakes. br She was not frightened, but poised on my finger, br Then delicately walked into my hand. br I shut the two palms of my hands together br And held her prisoner. br I carried her out of the opal cave, br Then opened my hands. br First she became thistledown, br Then a mote in a sunbeam, br Then--nothing at all. br Empty now is my opal dream cave.