Danaus Plexippus
they have
but a month
or so
to live
before
they die
and so
they fly
across
blue sky
and kiss
the forehead
of a flower
and travel trunks
to land the lofty leaf
nearest the light
that’s why their wings
get burnt
why they get thirsty
and drink all the dew
in Mexico
and if spotted
by a child
they might
linger there
for a beat
or two
less there’s a net
or the jail of a jar
or a greedy grab
then it’s like
they were never there
at all
for Monarchs know
when to stay
when to go
they live
as if they know
they only have
but a month
or so
TL