An Endangered Royal Flight

The Monarch emerges from its jeweled chrysalis
                 wings creased and limp
then, empowered by gentle movement,
                 it is strong enough to
fly from flower to flower, seeking
                 nectar and a mate

Several generations later, at summer's end,
                 instinct directs the royal flight south
Over established, yet unknown routes
                until it reaches the Mexican Sierra
Mountain sites, owned by ejidatarios,
                 lovingly loaned to the butterflies

In Canada, US, and Mexico, this regal insect
                needs flowers to nectar, milkweed for nurseries,
Oyamel firs for protection and
                respite from northern winters
Its survival is a challenge to scientists,
                government officials, and landowners

Can three countries act as one to save the
                Monarch Butterfly and its wondrous migration?

Morelia, Mexico 1997

By Sanny Oberhauser