Glowing Caterpillars

Painting and Poem by Dr Abe V Rotor

Glowing Caterpillars in acrylic on mounted canvas (21.5” x 22”) AVR 2014

Wondered I as a child seeing you glow in the dark,

     passing  the day in slumber with your host;

your fire is myth, but what philosophy does it make,  

     of your presence exacting a heavy cost?

As I grew up, I learned phosphorescence everywhere:

      plankton of endless number and variety;

the woods and fields studded with watchful eyes,          

      and you, you make a glowing crown of a tree.

I’ve seen wild mushrooms, jellyfish in the deep, glow,

      sulfur bacteria in boiling caldera shining;

and in old age a myriad fireflies mingling with the stars,

     that link us all to a Supreme Being. ~