You’re familiar with the ugly duckling story, yes? Well, mine is a similar tale. But there’s no happy ending for me so listen up.

I was a normal caterpillar from regular butterfly parents. We lived in a backyard with plenty of sun, grass, and milkweed. But when the time came for me to pupa, I didn’t look like the others. My dark chrysalis was a little rounder, a little taller, and well, dark. Instead of the gorgeous sage green of the others, my chrysalis was a dark amethyst, like a night orchid. I spent my pupa days in anxiety and fear. What was wrong with me? Why was this happening? And then the day arrived when it was time to leave the chrysalis. Terrified to show my violet wings, I hid within the lavender plant. I hid until my days were almost up. Having never enjoyed flight, friends, nectar, or sunshine, I tell you this tale from the shadows of regret.

Painting by Donna Matthews with a Let’s Make Art Tutorial

Today’s entry is in a category known as flash fiction. There are many other names (micro, mini, nano, etc) and a variety of different lengths (one-word stories, six-word stories, 100 words, 500 words.)

Donna Matthews started writing a couple of years ago when her children started leaving her nest. She enjoys writing poetry, prose, and short stories.  In addition to writing, she also loves to read, paint, take pictures, and explore the world on foot. She is passionate about helping others find their voice in both the writing and art communities.

Read more of Donna’s writing at DJ RANCH