Chrissie Petrie - 2017

 
Lepidopteran When asked what animal I thought I was most like, I wanted to reply with those that I’d prefer to be rather than ones that resembled me. The lioness with her effortless prowess, the shark with its sleek chic physique, and the black bear for her ferocity. I then decided I could be a hybrid breed. A Frankenstein’s monster made up of many similes: I could say I’m a skunk, as when I drink I drink like a fish and then I get drunk and I’m always as bad as a dog the next day. I eat like a pig when I’m as hungry as a horse but when I’m not in the mood I pick at my food, gnaw on it like a little mouse would do. I can sometimes be as wise as an owl but I can also be as dumb as an ox or even as mad as a box of frogs if I fancy. And when the time is right, especially at night, I can be a right foxy lady! Most days I’ll be dashing around as busy as a bee. That’s when I long to be a sloth instead, lazing in my warm, soft, cosy bed. I’m a hard worker, just like an ant in an army, team work is key, but then I have times when I prefer it just to be me. I laugh like a hyena, I get the giggles when I’m nervous and I wriggle about and squirm like a worm. I’m as gentle as a lamb, cute as a kitten but if I am bitten, I will bite back. I will smile then snap my jaws tightly like a crocodile. Yet my tears are always real. I get panda eyes when I cry. I’m as stubborn as a mule and like an elephant, I never forget. When I’m angry I’ll hop up and down on the spot like a kangaroo but I wouldn’t do that in front of you. I’d remain as cool as a cat until out of view. I could even be part Puff the Magic Dragon as I too live by the sea and my breath is often hot and fiery, but nothing a Rennie or two wouldn’t soothe. Now all this said and done I still had the desire to decide on just one creature that shared my features and it so happens that one day the answer fluttered down in front of me, and I realised how much it was like me. At first it wasn’t something I’d freely admit but somehow this insect seemed to fit the bill. You see, it shows my traits I hate to display, my softer side that I often hide away. My gentle nature. I nurture, I’m kind. I have a vulnerable body and a fragile mind. But it also reflects my ability to change, to be plain or pretty to blend in to surroundings. To adapt to life by coast and county, in town and city. Free to roam wherever I choose And settle in the place I wish to call home. And that is why now when I am asked what animal I think I’m most like, I reply, I am Lepidopteran commonly known as the butterfly. ©Chris Robinson 2011