Instars

Convincing Caterpillar she will
Wake with wings...
A real hard sell
Even tougher?
Delivering the news that she
Will not

Some of us
Straining to transform
Rise each morning
Pretty much the same
Despite the vigor of our
Practice
Night before

Me, I take the strip with
Hopeless optimism that
This time will be different
Better
Innate flaws in execution
Magically smoothed
Stubborn intent translated into
Reformation
Hard work finally
Paid off

Instead,
I stutter step
Exhibit merely
Incremental growth
Minor tweaks in
Habits and behavior

Maybe metamorphosis is
Only for the young

And yet, (sweet Jesu, here we go again), might I feel chrysaline tonight?