I thought you had abandoned me,

saw through my skin,

made nauseous by what lay within,

a chrysalis half-cracked

a struggling pupae trapped,

colander-pecked by cunning birds

but living still – oh, just, oh,

just.

You took and placed me on your hand,

crooned sweet concern,

warm zephyr that stirred, then

spoke command –

                                        'Come out!'

I did.