We are…

    by Larry Turner

 We are at the same time caterpillar and butterfly, 
rooted to earth, sustained by spirit, needing 
food as well as song, 
homes as well as poetry, 
“Thou shalt not” as well as 
“Once upon a time.”

This is nothing to regret. 
Instead, take pity on the unaware   
who waste their lives striving 
to be safe, prosperous caterpillars, 
never realizing they are butterflies