A Butterfly Flies

Carpe Diem #727 a butterfly flies

a butterfly flies
only in the field
of sunshine            © Basho (Tr. Jane Reichhold)

Since the time my daughter was four we have collected swallowtail caterpillars and raised them.

We usually have 3 times when they hatch.  The first group in summer, the second in late September, the last group do not hatch until  early spring and overwinter in their chrysalis. 

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leaving behind an empty chrysalis
the butterfly emerges
it’s new wings still fragile
as they dry in the soft breeze
preparing for a new life
soaring among the blossoms

waiting in silence
spinning your world
into a cocoon

emergence slow
your wings unfurl
slowly hardening

your wings spread
begin a flight coloring
your own world

Taken on my daughter’s 17th birthday as we left church.

~~~

elusive butterfly
her subtle beauty
flutters briefly

My daughter’s own flight into the world seems as fragile. She deals daily with a disorder known as selective mutism and crohn’s disease.  She has overcome much and at 17 is just starting her last 6 week term for her first year of college.

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