Milkweed Poem by Gayle Sweeney

On a sparkling day some children in play opened up milkweed pods
Between fingers and thumbs with delight.
Once set free brown seeds from inside with white spun, silk threads
Took to a breeze in summery, magical flights.
Did those little children know for Monarch butterflies green, sunny
Homes like pure heaven they were making? -
Milkweed villas where caterpillars munch leaves and soon to open
Are shiny, orange butterfly wings.
If we went back to our childhood when joyful milkweed pods we
Found all called to us to come out and play -
They'd be more Monarchs in the wondrous world to bring
Magnificent happiness and brighten up our days!