Chrysalis (Poetry)

Strange gold-flecked pendant
casually strung
dangling sphinx-like
from the whiskered neck
of a savage nettle leaf
you glitter coy from underneath
curved teeth of pagan green —
primitive airs stinging
to protect your metamorphic state.

Held only by a pad
of sticky silk — a self-spun clasp
a short-linked anchor chain
you swing and catch
imagination’s changing light
your quiet heart
and patient folded wing
locked motionless within
this curious carved shell —
this unlikely magic casket
where a bristled worm transforms
into a perfect Painted Lady.