The pupa is breaking slowly
From the protective chrysalis
Peeping out tentatively
Expectantly
In a hurry to assume the world
Testing the air with antennae
Is the emerging butterfly.
Expecting any day
To break loose of its confines
That until then defined
Its existence on earth,
In total darkness
Without mirth
Though expectant
And recalcitrant
At the same time.
It was then
A bird alighted
Nearby inquisitive
Pecked to test
A probing gesture.
The opening chrysalis
With one antenna lost
Withdrew almost
Into its cozy shell
And feeling like hell
Closed the door
Right behind her
A moment of terror
In a sense of horror
Threw away the key
To remain inside
For all eternity.