Greater Than Myself
the first step
GREATER THAN MYSELF I curled up, a caterpillar in the month of June Feasting furiously under the summer moon Content to grow out of my skin And nestle snugly into a cocoon. This is where the miracle begins Changes great for one so small Emerging gracefully, wings spread Poised to take flight and conquer the world. Mirrored eyes like diamonds flash Elegant legs balance and land A creature beautiful, fragile and lithe Sipping sweet nectar and sticky sap. I never knew what fate would bring A humble larva crawling on leaves An immature child, awkward and slow My view minute, my purpose dull My only aspiration to eat my fill. Life, for me, had other plans Transforming my body in awesome ways Within the chrysalis metamorphosis raged Forming wings, a torso and delicate legs. When I emerged I didn’t know myself Everything was different, including my mouth It must’ve been frightful to take the first step To trust I wouldn’t stumble, falling to my death. I had to have faith greater than myself Confidence in nature and the wisdom she held I looked at her handiwork, the sun in the sky And took my first leap as a butterfly. © 2025 Stephanie M. Vargo
The body as a site of terror and grace at once. The transformation is not romanticized; it is earned through fear, appetite, and blind trust. What lingers most is the voice of the self before knowing itself, the humility of hunger giving way to awe. It understands that becoming is not a choice but a surrender, and that flight begins only after faith replaces familiarity.