I am not a Butterfly (age 11)

I am not a Painted Lady to travel across the sea.

I am not a mighty Monarch or even Viceroy.

I am not a Queen nor Red Admiral they are too royal for me.

I am not a Tawny Emperor even an emperor I could not be.

I am not a Zebra Swallowtail beautiful swallowtail

Nor a petite Western Pygmy Blue. Why should I wish to be

a Kallima leaf butterfly? Though so very magnificent would you?

I do not wish to be a Tiger Swallowtail or any swallowtail,

even the giant swallowtail too.

I do not wish to be a Red Spotted Purple

Nor a Black Swallowtail nor Silvery Blue.

I do not need to be a Spring Azure

a Morning Cloak or Checkerspot.

I am not a Common Wood Nymph

nor even a Common Sulfer I don’t need to be.

Name me any butterfly of beauty or rarity and

I shall prove to be more precious,

even if a Moth, I am me.

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From the blog

About the Author: Sarah B. Royal

Sarah B. Royal’s writing defies convention. Her poetry and prose traverse the boundaries between structure and spontaneity, often weaving together philosophical inquiry, cultural reflection, and personal narrative. With a background in experimental literature, she is known for crafting works that challenge readers to engage intellectually and emotionally.

Her acclaimed palindrome performance play, 777 – A Story of Idol Worship and Murder, showcases her fascination with mirrored storytelling and thematic symmetry. In o x ∞ = ♥: The Poet and The Mathematician, Royal explores the intersection of poetic intuition and mathematical logic, revealing a unique voice that is both analytical and lyrical.

Royal’s collections—such as Lost in the Lost and Found, Haiku For You, Lantern and Tanka Too, and the WoPoLi Chapbook Series—highlight her commitment to neurodivergent expression and poetic experimentation. Whether through childhood verse or contemporary fusion poetry, her work invites readers into a world where language is both a tool and a playground.

Sarah B. Royal continues to expand the possibilities of poetic form, offering readers a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience. Her writing is a testament to the power of creative risk, intellectual depth, and emotional authenticity.

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