Emergence of a Silkworm
Tiffany Lee

Creatures upon the leaves of the mulberry tree lie in seclusion,
Hard at work, away from the bustle of the outside world.
So small and seemingly insignificant, they prepare to create their works of illusion.
Quiet and concentrating as strands of fiber are being unfurled.
Their counterparts will become colorful butterflies,
while they brown and gray moths,
Resting and spinning cocoons night and day, in hope that they might transform,
Unknowing that their cocoons will be unspun to make beautiful cloths,
Turned into silken treasures, colors cool and warm.
At first glance their value unforeseen:
The silkworm’s hidden gift of spinning delicate thread,
Beauty found with all partaken, as in scarves of vibrant green,
Tradition and strength found in such kimonos of crimson red.
As is said that appearances can be deceiving,
So let not be forgotten the silkworm and its weaving.