The Ticking Clock

by adewpearl

For near two hundred-million years
the earth housed dinosaurs,
of fearsome size with armored sides
and sword-like killing horns.

Of course, they now have been extinct
past ancient memory --
their bones displayed in fossil form
for gawking boys to see.

The monarch's stained glass golden wings
will fly a thousand miles,
then land upon a milkweed pod,
caressed by sunlight's smiles.

In flight resplendent, past the clouds,
they spread a world of cheer,
and yet their beauty never lasts
beyond a single year.

A monster wave will swell the sea
to swallow ships and more,
and yet within a few hours' time
fall flat upon the shore.

Impermanence has no set clock
to tell when time runs out,
but every flame is surely doused,
of that I have no doubt.

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Nature's Wisdom writing prompt entry

Writing Prompt
Use metaphorical imagery from nature to explore the philosophical theme of impermanence. The tone should be didactic in flavor. All styles welcome
Artwork is permissible.

Recognized

According to most sources, the dinosaurs disappeared 65 million years ago and lived anywhere between 165 and 200 million years, depending on the source. Monarch butterflies migrate from where I live in the Northeast U.S. to Mexico every fall and return the next spring. Those butterflies born close to the fall migration will live up to nine months. Those born earlier in the summer will live only several weeks. In the course of their flight they will fly over 11,000 feet high in the air and are actually best seen when set against the clouds. They lay their eggs almost exclusively on milkwood plants. Waves have been recorded up to 91 feet high and indeed have toppled ships.
I think that sums up the research I've been doing for the past couple of hours! :-)

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reflective quatrains

The Ticking Clock

by adewpearl

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