Hybernacula 

Seventy degrees below zero,
he woolly bear caterpillar
rolls into a ball, and
survives an Arctic winter.
           For years, in rain, hail and lightning storms,
           a woman hunches deep in her camo cocoon
           on a bench in downtown Eureka.
The little bears heart can stop in winter
and then start again next spring
seven times before emerging as a moth!
           The empty bench on the corner
           startles the hearts of those who cared.
           What happened to their butterfly?

Jenny Lovewell