Lady Butterfly

Hiding in the shelter of the leaves; Ever vigilant, ever wary. 
Alighting when she feels it is safe to spread her colorful wings.
Surrendering herself to the air to send her aloft to a new height.

Trembling with sheer happiness when experiencing the delight.
But keeping her wits about her to quickly flit away to avoid being hurt.
At times, her passions betrayed her and she found herself bruised.

And feels the regret of being put upon by that which gave her such serene joy.
Returning to the refuge of the flora, peering upward longingly to the heavens.
Wishing deeply to have just one more moment in the warm caress of the sunshine.

Feeling the wind beneath her wings, lifting her higher and higher.
But forsaking the chance to fly again, remaining in the safety of a self-imposed haven.
Never again to feel the singeing pain, when her flight takes her to close to the sun.

A sleeping soul sends messages from within…
The moment has arrived for the butterfly to escape the confines of her cocoon; that which offered her protection only to have turned dire by suffocating her soul and spirit.
She struggles to free herself from her impending demise; to fly away to true independence.
Her metamorphosis completed, she looks forlornly back upon the empty encasement, that which was and still is devoid of sincere and lasting nurturing.
A false habitat succumbs to a purposeful freedom.