Elephant of Sadness, Butterfly of Joy
written by Patricia Austin illustrated by Megan Elizabeth BarattaThe Butterfly of Joy lands on the cosmos flower, for just a moment spreading her wings
The Mosquito of Worry buzzes near the ear
Should I…? Will I…?
Could I….? Still I….
What if I can’t…?
What if I don’t…?
So many fears I can’t slap away
The Goldfish of Boredom bumps against his bowl starved for something different but doesn’t quite know what
The Octopus of Curiosity extends her reach with every arm and every arm has its own nosy playful brain puzzling and problem-solving what it prods navigating through mazes, remembering solutions, filling gaps in knowledge until she knows a lot
The Dog of Disappointment tail between her legs head down and her ears drooping flops in the doghouse
The Spider of Satisfaction spins his inner song waits and hopes someone else will notice his wondrous web
The Cat of Contentment curls in a cozy chair and purrs spreads calm seeds peace in your heart
The Fox of Jealousy stalks and creeps
Unbidden
Unwanted but slyly stealthily fills you with feelings
Unwanted
Unbidden
The Trumpet Swan of Trust gathers two soft gray cygnets under snowy plumage glides on glassy darkness speckled with light With other fledglings following all head to safe harbor
The Wolf of Fear emerges in the dark marks his territory prowls for his prey lands in a single leap in the shadows in your room Real or imagined?
The Serpent of Surprise snoozes in the sunshine coiled not expecting you who is not expecting it
The Maggot of Disgust squirms in its vile pile worms its way into your mind’s eye so you can’t unsee EWWW!!
The Egret of Regret should look forward not back doesn’t have the knack
The Bull of Anger charges with fury lashes out clenches tenses crashes hope of solving whatever made you mad
The Turtle of Loneliness pulls into his shell to keep others out hides hints of hurt shies from shame of being isolated within
The Kite of Resilience in blue skies after rain soars high on wide wings leaving troubles behind Another kite alongside Thin piping calls remind you We’re here We’re here Two kites in blue skies
The Snail of Anticipation slogs along leaving a trail maybe of jitters maybe of joy
The Bear of Frustration
lumbers with heavy footfalls
sulks and says
“Can’t do it anyway”
Hindered, he hollers
“Don’t you get it? I can’t.”
Stymied, he screams, “I hate this!”
The Oyster of Hope starts when a grain of sand slips inside its shell builds layer upon layer until it glimmers shimmers makes me think I can
The Peacock of Pride spreads his feathers
Prances
Struts
Dances can’t-beat-that feat can’t-top-that sweet sweet moment
Dances
Struts
Prances
