Bound

Caterpillar
born in a cage
prisoner to indifference
Chrysalis
protects the young
but binds as year by year
it hardens, rots, poisons.

Jailer dies
but still bound
immobilized in an open cell
Afraid to ask
two words heard "I understand"
deftly the layers peeled away.

Hope like sun
seen directly so bright
seeks shelter - not ready
But the healer knows...
Butterflies must be with their own.