Caterpillar
Wonderland Poetry Challenge Day 8
A small caterpillar
rested on a leaf.
Eating and eating,
Learning about the world.
🐛🦋
Up above, an old butterfly sat
quietly on a branch.
Her wings faded but she was calm.
🐛🦋
“Are you a leaf, too?”
The caterpillar asked.
The old butterfly smiled.
No, little one. I used to be like you.”
🐛🦋
“But you have beautiful wings,”
said the young caterpillar.
“I grew them once, in the past
in my little dark cocoon.
In time, you will grow wings, too.”
🐛🦋
“Was it scary?”
“Yes,”
said the butterfly.
“But when it was done,
I could fly high and free.”
🐛🦋
The young caterpillar was quiet,
eating and thinking.
The butterfly waited,
as the Sun warmed them both.
🐛🦋
Change would come for both,
but not yet.
For now, they simply sat,
waiting together.
🐛🦋
©Susan Fourtané, 2025 - All rights reserved
A/N: Most caterpillars spend five to 21 days in the chrysalis stage. This varies by species and temperature. The average lifespan of a butterfly is two to four weeks for most butterfly species.
In many cases, the caterpillar’s transformation in the cocoon is just a fraction of their short but beautiful adult life. 🐛
Wonderland challenge:
About the Creator
Susan Fourtané
Susan Fourtané is a Science and Technology Journalist, a professional writer with over 18 years experience writing for global media and industry publications. She's a member of the ABSW, WFSJ, Society of Authors, and London Press Club.
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Comments (9)
I love the interaction between the caterpillar and butterfly. Interesting facts too.✅
If I was the butterfly and the caterpillar asked me if I'm the leaf, I would have said, "You indeed are as dumb as you look" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Loved your poem!
This is simply beautiful. Well done.
Butterflies are one of the most beautiful creatures in the world!
Aw, this is so sweet <3 You should make this into a children's book <3
This is so sweet! It reads so softly like a children's bedtime story.
Love the picture and your words. Perfect for the challenge
Fantastic
A beautiful poem that celebrates growth. Well-wrought, Susan.