Melanie C. Campos ~ MahTame

CHAMELEON

She bore colors of the rainbow
Happiness resided for a while
Sunshiny atmospheres emitted
Making her life quite versatile

Her island of rocky soil and forest
Provided safe havens for many
Like infamous Rose ‘n’ Mr. DeMille
Forbidden lovers of the blue sea

She walked with others of the same
Ethnic and cultural background
Ate their fruitage and drank tea
Telling of amorous tales around

Many ships set sail in the nearby
Indian Ocean to photograph her
Adding to collections of their science
Studying what she has to offer

When frightened by intruders of prey
Her colors became solid to hide
Among the foliage of the land
This was to be the lover’s guide

A tropical cyclone came one day
Flooded the village and habitat
Chaotic waves rushed fiercely through
Sealing her in a tide pool’s vat

No more colorful rainbows shining
A protected source; no longer was she
When the watery deep dried up
Her home was made of tangled debris