Hatching a Plan
May 07, 2023Ladybugs have 4 stages to
Complete metamorphosis.
The egg stage is the most
Vulnerable—strength in numbers.
If not eaten, they hatch into
Spikey little alligator-like larva.
Then they eat—a bunch, even their
Sibling eggs; or scale, adelgids, and aphids.
These larva molt 4 times—growing
Past the limitations of their shells,
Before balling up under a leaf
In an orange, armadillo-like pupae.
Inside this pupae, they melt
And are completely reformed.
Finally emerging as an adult,
Again vulnerable—soft for awhile,
Leaking an off-putting smell and taste,
Until their shell finally hardens.
And when the weather is warm,
They unfold their origami wings—and fly.
Huddling up with thousands of close
Friends when the cold comes again.
I wonder if the larva ever dream
Of what they will become?
Something inside of them,
Hatching a plan all along.
LET'S CHANGE THE WORLD TOGETHER
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