Michelle Ramsden Zbylut 2

Trophy

Nymphalidae monarch, she wintered in Mexico,

Exotic and alone in the thicket of thousands

Just like her.

Remember

The embrace of jade cocoons wrapped warm like wedding bands?

Transformation now complete, mandarin wings flap so,

While painted ladies cry, fancying dreams they would know.

Queens know milk is poison.  Flowers court heavy demands

And whisper,

Forever.

Acquainted with diapause lording like rich husbands,

She feels perverse fingers pin brilliant wings with shadow.