The Eastern Tent Caterpillar

Original artwork by Diane L. Lefebvre

Hairy, striped, hungry worm –
It’s your business your about.
You soon will be a fluttering moth,
Once you’ve turned inside out.

Until then sit and rest awhile,
Upon your shaded bush.
Your time on earth is short you know–
So what’s your great, big rush?

Oh striped, long, prolific worm;
Some folks dislike you so.
Revulsion’s only kept at bay,
In seasons of the snow.

You’ll start to show your hairy self,
Just past the month of May.
And fascinate us for a spell,
While rippling on your way.

The summer months are filled with crunch,
As you eat your way toward fall.
Most leaves upon the trees have holes,
Their proof you’ve come to call.

When fall draws near bugs disappear,
And with them — so goes you.
But, come next spring you’ll reappear,
As sure as winter flu.