“Lepidoptera” by Nik Rajagopalan


In different dimensions we exist
Side by side
Threads of fate tangling and interweaving
We walk,
Side by side
Our footsteps follow each other
But we could not be farther apart

I am you, if only you
Slept in five minutes
Listened to a different song on the subway
Missed that left turn

The rules are different for each of us
But each small difference gives us a chance
To make things right
In our own way

Butterfly wingbeats become typhoons


Nik Rajagopalan is a biochemistry student who enjoys writing poetry, motorcycling, candy making, and playing with his dog Tashi. He hopes to one day explore scientific ideas through poetry.