NYMPHALIDAE

Brushfoot, Hackberry, Red Lacewing.

These freaking butterflies so rife with synchronicity
even Carl would be dazed. You amaze
me with goatweed & Cialis.

Purple Emperor, Viceroy, Two-Tailed Pasha.

Beware the horned toads of February
up around the bend: Valentine’s & Victoria’s Secret ads.
Swimsuit models of SI—too skimpily clad…

Painted Lady, Baltimore Checkerspot, Southern Snout.

Keats scored four kisses from his nymph—

Kenneth pined & doodled little maniacs
in the margins of his sketchbook.

And don’t overlook those flirtatious Fritillaries—

Great Spangled, Lesser Marbled, Queen of Spain.

The main thing’s the glimmer in the hindwings,
knowing just how to flutter & strut.



© Kallima Hamilton