Ode To the Butterfly Mind

The Parliament of Butterflies

Was racked by deep division

Questions of what to teach the young

Demanded their decision.

 

It had been known and taught and thought

Since butterfly life began

That butterflies in glory rose

From their creators mighty hand

 

Now some few who this truth mocked

Had attacked faiths very pillars

All butterflies, these scientists claimed,

Came from caterpillars.

 

This indecent theory spread

Into butterfly education,

Until this caterpillar cult

Threatened creations revelation.

 

The faithful sought to restore the truth

About the origins of butterflies;

And to build an absolute moral base,

To stop the metamorphic lies.

 

Believe you descended from some worm

And wormlike you will be!

Reasoned those who'd seen faith's light

And knew there was nothing left to see.

 

We see no proof, some butterflies said

That we are all come from cocoons--

Unbelievers who would teach this tale

Are all immoral loons.

 

Some said the metamorphous lie

Was laid by the enemy, they believed,

Set, like candle flames and windshields,

To destroy all who were deceived.

 

The matter was at last resolved--

Both theories must be taught--how fine!

Now all youth can simply decide the truth,

Each in their own simple butterfly mind.

 

Edwin F. Kagin

August 27, 1999

Last updated: 9 January 2005