Glowing Caterpillars

                                   

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. ~