Migrant

After near seven days of cloud and rain,
a shaft of sunshine now touches the base 
of the old oak's trunk, lone monarch flutters
and then alights, stays motionless in light

still for a long time, arrested by  sun,
absorbing it, warming itself, migrant
on a long journey through adversity,
waiting, resting, recharging its powers

during the hurricane's wash where did it
find shelter, what crack or crevice, of tree
or rock protected it from wind, water,
kept fragile orange wings still fit for their flight?

a will within drives it keeps it, now still,
splashed in sunshine low on old oak's trunk