I almost tread on this fuzzy little chap on the sidewalk, out for a stroll, soaking up the mid-winter sun.
How’s it hanging? he asks.
Oh , you know; not bad.
He looks up. You out of lockdown yet?
Almost, I say, one day to go but we’re allowed to walk. How about you?
I’m about to enter the biggest lockdown of all, he says in a tone half way between excitement and trepidation.
Wow! I say. Really?
Yes, he says, metamorphosis. You heard of it?
Why, yes. It sounds magical.
Up to 14 days, he says. No food. No visitations. Reckon you could handle it?
If I could turn into something light, winged and beautiful, like a butterfly, I’d give it a go.
You humans can’t have everything, you know.
I nod my head sagely.
True, I say, true. Well, anyway, have a good …. metamorphosis, and off he trundles on his way, giving me the thumbs up, a tricky thing for a caterpillar. Such a clever chap.
John Malone 