Craig E. Burgess


	A Butterfly With A Wrinkled Wing
	My friends say that I'm handicapped Because I'm not like they: They flutter off when I come near, And with them I can't play. But there is nothing wrong with me; There's just one minor thing: I am a tiger swallowtail Who has a wrinkled wing. I fly as high and far as they And pollinate as well, But that one blemish on my wing Soes more than words can tell. It labels me as something weird Which doesn't fit the mold. . . And thus I'm forced to fly alone, Through skies both warm and cold. I know they'll never understand What damage they have done By choosing not to fly with me... For they just think it's fun! If only I could make them see That beauty is wing deep, While talent and ability Are traits we ALL can reap !! But I'll not let them get me down And make me feel ashamed: I'll simply work much harder To prove that I'm NOT maimed! For I'm as good and strong as they, Unique in just one thing: I am that tiger swallowtail Who has a wrinkled wing. [Craig E. Burgess]