The Butterfly Effect: The Larvae

It took me a while to write (and re-write) this week’s poem. I debated if I should even share it, but here I am typing, and hopefully in a few minutes you’ll be reading.

The next developmental stage of a butterfly is called the larvae stage. The larva stage of the butterfly's life cycle is a time for growth. The larva, also known as a caterpillar, spends its time eating and growing. As the caterpillar grows it splits its skin and sheds about 4 or 5 times.

With that in mind, here is this weeks untitled poem:

“Ouch, that hurts 

Each time a layer falls off I get lighter

But I am more exposed

My prey;

Insecurity, fear, perfectionism, and doubt 

They lurk in the tall grass 

Waiting to pounce on my tender skin 

Sometimes they hit their target 

Ouch, that hurts 

Then I grow a new layer and the process begins again 

How many layers do I have to shed?

Every time I seem to get rid of one, a new one forms in it’s place

And I am once again warmed by the cocoon of comfort

It’s heavy, but it’s familiar 

I am getting too big for it, I am cramped 

My skin is chaffed and cracked from the harsh winds of life 

Despite all of this, it seems that I have grown a little

I watch the old layers twist and turn down the road, like tumbleweed 

I hear this isn’t the end though

And I smile”

Love always,

CDOG