Hanging Out/ Hanging On

on this sunny day in October

tomatoes ripening the sun

a storm is looming

we bask, the caterpillar and I

for the last moments before the rain

your stripes, your feet, your perfection

capture me, and I remove the small branch

and carry you, gazing rapt at your

spots and your little red tail.

some children came by and we petted you

like a small cat, feeling your rough

skin on our fingertips.

you are perfection

Waking from revery, my hands reached

again between tomato vines, grasping

the green fruits to bring in from

the looming storm.  

I will go inside to be warm, but

you will be out in the rain

this is what caterpillars do.