The caterpillar is one of the most ordinary creatures.

Strange-looking and smelly, the caterpillar eats,

walks, makes frass and molts.

Repeat! Repeat!

 

until it begins the laborious process

of shedding its final skin, as its body breaks

down within, attached only by the heart.

Quietly! Quietly!

 

The odd gem that is the chrysalis hangs hidden

from danger as the caterpillar inside transforms

around its heart into a butterfly.

Extraordinary!