The color changing chameleon doesn’t quite fit
It only changes superficially for a little bit
The growing snake that sheds its skin
Is closer but still it doesn’t change within
The caterpillar doesn’t choose the change
It is inside itself while its parts rearrange
Does it recognize itself after the reveal
Does it marvel at its wings’ pristine appeal
Or does it see and feel the bittersweet
The cold reality of loss and gain on repeat.

Emerging from the old all mirrors are darkly lit
The change too deep or too soon to see it
It begins within before it shows up on the skin
Not free as a chameleon to take colors for a spin
And unlike the snake the past can’t be left estranged
There’s no cocoon where parts are exchanged
The broken parts needed to heal
Illusions had to break to find the real
We see and feel the bittersweet
And the need for loss and gain on repeat.