Is it a butterfly or … ?
By Rhiannonw
- 3083 reads
On every butterfly and moth,
a coiled proboscis for a mouth,
which when extended and unrolled
can suck reviving nectar food.
Their wings have tiny little scales
that overlap like slates or tiles –
and some are coloured, some the light
reflect – an iridescence bright.
But moths are mostly drab and fly
at night, unlike a butterfly.
And butterflies are rather thin;
at rest they often lift each wing.
Most moths instead are furry, fat,
with wings draped round or else fanned out
when resting. So, what is the best
and clearest difference, simplest test? –
It’s “do the feelers (though they don’t
sense touch or feel, but smell and scent)
end with a swollen tip, or not?”
for it they’re “clubbed”, then you have got
a butterfly; – or Burnet moth (!)
– the latter’s awkward as it both
is coloured and it likes the day –
but rests its wings the moth-like way!
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Comments
This is pretty darn tight
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You have a style all of your
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Thanks for that poem, I also
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HI Rhiannon
HI Rhiannon
This is a different style poem from most of yours - the rhyming is gentler, and more casual.
I do like it, and I did learn a lot.
Jean
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I really enjoyed this poem
I really enjoyed this poem Rhiannon. You've picked up on many of the characteristics of moths and butterflies. Not only a charming poem but educational too.
Glad I found and thank you for sharing.
Jenny.
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