Haiku: Pre-Flight Check

You may have discovered, as I have, that, often, the best gifts are surprises…and free. Nature is generous in its gift-giving, and we were recently gifted the experience of witnessing a caterpillar affix itself to our house’s siding, form a chrysalis, and – amazingly – emerge from that chrysalis! What luck to be present to see that newly-hatched butterfly working on unfurling its wings.

Continue reading “Haiku: Pre-Flight Check”

Haiku: The Changeling

I recently had the fortune of noticing this incredible chrysalis hanging from a thread wrapped several times around a tulip poplar sapling’s branch. Whatever’s inside is safely ensconced in its protective, papery wrapper…hopefully, to emerge soon in its full glory. Dare I hope to witness its emergence? I hope that something beautiful and utterly wondrous comes forth. I really do.

Haiku: Secret Rebirth

My caterpillar friend has completed its metamorphosis and emerged in what I know must be an amazing new form. Unfortunately, I didn’t see when it actually departed the confines of its chrysalis. I suppose that, generally speaking, the likelihood of witnessing that event is low…but I had still hoped.

Instead of marinating in my disappointment, I choose to be glad that the winged creature was able to successfully make that incredible change and leave, to begin life anew. I’ve seen some lovely butterflies that could be that elusive changeling. What do you think?

I think this one is a Great Spangled Fritillary – it sat patiently as I snapped the photo

It may be called a “Common Buckeye”, but it looks pretty special to me!