Metamorphosis (for Bethi)

by MarcMangel

 

Caterpillars become butterflies

and babies become children

but for the caterpillar it is

easier

she’s got a cocoon to hide

the pain and the hurt and

the uncertainty of change

for the child

it is not so easy

she has no cocoon

And I watch her,

sometimes with pain

and sometimes with glee

because the metamorphosis

is a pleasure to see

Her pain is real

and her tears are real

but through it all

a butterfly emerges

 

 

January 1981