A small lizard, last in his camouflage-
class stands out neon green against
the beige wall of my home. His cousin,
first in his class, hides safely on a twig,
his brown skin blending so well with
the surroundings, except for his bright
red dewlap which he moves in and out
giving away his hiding place.
I watch as their futures play out in front
of me, the ending quite the opposite of my prediction.
A bird swoops down from the tree. The clever
first-in-his-concealment-class cousin is plucked-
up from the twig becoming a tasty afternoon
meal. Mr. bright green, last in his class looks
on and smiles.


© by Arlene Antoinette.
Used with the author's permission.