there's a type of bug
called a hoverfly
that's completely harmless
but looks to the eye
like a bully that's yelling
GO AWAY!
GET LOST!
'cause this lucky li'l fly
looks just like a wasp!
no stinger to sting with
no nest to protect
but at a quick glance
you'd think it correct
to squash the poor fellow
with swatter or shoe
even though the li'l bugger
meant no harm to you!
and maybe while reading
you identify
with the harmless (but mean-looking)
poor hoverfly.
because maybe you look
and maybe you act
like someone that's yelling
LEAVE ME BE!
STAND BACK!
and maybe these walls
you built against strafe
are causing more harm
than keeping you safe.
so drop your defenses
and wasp-like disguise,
and don't be ashamed
to fly like the flies!

- p. winter