Butterflies became the subject of myths long ago, and science and technology haven’t ended mankind’s fascination with them.
A butterfly flitted across my window
while I was talking to a friend far away
about things that mattered,
about things of the heart and deeper.
Soon the butterfly returned, its wings catching the sun
and flashing gold and orange my way;
so I was convinced, as was my friend,
that our conclusions had credibility.
I had fallen enchanted like multitudes before me:
legions of children and, yes, adults too,
when butterflies thrived in abundant lush meadows;
then naturalists and collectors, artists and writers,
who pondered the mystery of butterfly enchantment
but found no answer to satisfy them.
They explored the wrong question perhaps,
asking why it would be — though how could it not be
we’re enchanted by a bright creature that
senses light through its feet,
smells at its knees,
rests with its wings up,
and drinks sweet liquids through its own straw.
Scientists haven’t missed the point,
not those who push beyond Newton’s vision
to new realms and dimensions
where chaos gives way to complexity
and complexity to connectedness
of all things in the universe.
They may ask, these scientists:
If a butterfly flaps its wings in Australia,
how strong will the wind blow in France?
And they call the answer the butterfly effect.
Enchanted.
Indeed.
Sources for enhancing my enchantment: Chaos: Making a New Science by James Gleick and An Obsession with Butterflies by Sharman Apt Russell. A corner of the book Butterflies, published by Firefly Books with photography by Thomas Marent, appears in the picture above.
This summer we had one or more monarch butterflies “enchanting” us with their beauty outside our front door and window. And I once gave a talk at a Mother/Daughter banquet entitled “Becoming a Monarch.” There is much enjoyment and lessons learned from the beauties of nature.
That’s for sure, Imo Jeane!
I love butterflies and spotted one monarch butterfly this summer–I don’t remember ever seeing one before! Painted ladies are my favorite. Thank you, Sally, for sharing your beautiful words.
Thank you for your words too, Gwynne.
Very nice. Thank you.
I’m glad you enjoyed it.
iI have a new and beautiful plant with small purple flowers and a lovely pale yellow butterfly comes each day and drinks from the blooms. I even talk to it. Love your thoughts on these beautiful beings.
Doris
Nice image, Doris. Thank you for your thoughts, too.
I don’t know how many times I have read that butterflies are a way that our relatives who have passed say hello to us. I wish it was true, but not convinced. But since it makes me wonder, I guess it’s as good as true. Thank you for writing a piece about butterflies. I loved most the passage about how it sees light and smells. Very nice!
That’s a myth I hadn’t heard of, Becky. Delightful! So interesting to hear what people enjoy most.
Mom, this poem is beautiful!
So is the butterfly you drew! I’ll be hanging the finished piece soon.