Beware

Butterfly                                      

your colorful beauty 

has a price

you become an easy target

so beware the hunting 

of praying mantises

watch for the dragonflies

and birds 

darting from the sky  

avoid the spiders’ webs

flee the lizards 

frogs and toads

No need to flutter in strong winds  

though lovely

your wings cannot defy them

redirect your flight 

when gusty winds arise

and when the rain begins

seek shelter  

your wet wings 

will weigh you down  

Your beauty invites 

human greed              

they pin you 

to decorate their walls

By Shih-Fang Wang

From: United States