The tiger swallowtail settled
In our Gomphrena Fireworks
Yesterday afternoon sipping
From dozens of pink blooms.
It became crazily nettled
And flew in wild fits and jerks
When a spicebush swallowtail, tipping
Its wings among the blossoms,
Exiled the tiger from its lair.
The wind pushed black wings apart
So wide they ceased to be a pair,
But held fast until the gust died.
The tiger landed like a dart,
But, like the wind, was again denied.
