Each time
she ventures forth
from her cocoon of safety
her delicate wings are lashed
by a species unkind
a thrashing of hardened hearts.
A world unforgiving
branches on which she flutters
prove to be
an illusion of happiness
shadowy leaves are but dreams
it is all a pretence.
Pulled and ravaged
by fearful winds unseen
until she says - “enough”.
Time for her to retreat
the cocoon awaits
dark safety within.