Happy Summer! As the sun rises toward the summer solstice, today I’m offering a swallowtail butterfly from Mary Lee Hahn. Mary Lee inspires me in many ways. She’s a wonderful poet, teacher, gardener, critique partner, presentation collaborator, and friend. Recently, she has been watching her overwintering swallowtails emerge. I’ve only had this happen once in my life and its quite amazing. The brown, dead looking chrysalis lasts a long time. And by some miracle of nature, it emerges once the temperatures warm up.
Nature always fascinates me. This week my grandchildren and I are exploring nature every day at Simon Family Camp (We even have an official t-shirt). The cicadas are alive and “yowd!” Every day we find another exoskeleton to add to our collection. I’m exhausted but having the time of my life with Leo, 4.5, Thomas, 3.5, and Stella, 2.5. Explore is the theme of this inaugural family camp. Yesterday we discovered a mountain. The mountain was a dirt pile at a neighbor’s house covered with a tarp. When the boys started to throw dirt clods, we moved on with our hike.
I don’t usually choose two pictures for this photo prompt, but I know that some of my readers who write are more naturalist than grandparent. Bonus points if you can combine the two images.
Write a small poem in the comments and give encouraging feedback to other writers. Most of all, have fun!
We can be
Margaret Simon, draft
explorers,
conquerers,
one-of-a-kind aviators
lifting our strong bodies
above the world
while holding
out our wings
in kindness.
Reflections on the Teche 
Thanks for your uplifting poem and lovely pics Margaret! I have a Swallowtail poem coming out in a publication soon, though here’s a new one inspired by your images.
COMPASSIONATE EXPLORER
Like a swallowtail
emerging from its
winter chrysalis,
swoop on wings far and wide,
explore with paper-thin sensitivity,
spirited curiosity,
and heartfelt
humanity.
Michelle Kogan, draft
Nicely done extended simile, Michelle. I especially like “heartfelt humanity.”
Paper-thin sensitivity… love it!
“Explore with paper-thin sensitivity” – what a thought-provoking line. There’s a juxtaposition implicit in it that really catches my attention.
“paper-thin sensitivity” pops out as such an original phrase. I’d love my grandkids to be sensitive and yet brave. We made stickers for them that read “I can,” “I listen”, and “I share.” The values of a toddler day camp.
Two lovely photos, Margaret. What fun Simon Family Camp must be! We had Grammy Camp back in February so I can relate to that feeling of exhaustion.
Like a Butterfly
spread your wings
explore
invent
potential’s in the smallest things
discover mountains
watch a worm
wonder what tomorrow brings
Draft, 2023RoseCappelli
Rose: I love “potential’s in the smallest things…”
“Potential’s in the smallest things” feels like the pivotal line here – maybe because of your clever rhyming but also because of the image. Love it.
I love your special way of tying the two photos together with a simile and all those wonderful verbs.
Your poem offers a grand gesture with “potential in the smallest things,” and inquisitiveness in its closing line,
“wonder what tomorrow brings” lovely, thanks Rose!
Margaret: You win the prize for combining both pics into one poem. So lovely! I recognize your exhaustion, but it is the best kind, right? Here are my lines:
For the swallowtail
Chic in evening dress
Studded with gems
Life is a frolic
A riot of revelry
Leaving a wake of
Hungry offspring
Munching my parsley
Lunching on my dill
What a pill!!!
– draft… Karen E
Fun! Love “munching my parsley and Lunching on my dill”
Love the image of the butterfly in evening dress!
I am watching my dill each day for signs but nothing yet. I love “chic in evening dress.”
Ah but such a grand, commanding, and regally dressed pill—love your”chic” and “studded with gems,” thanks Karen!
When I glanced at these images this morning, I wasn’t sure how to combine them. This evening I read your poem, Margaret, and was struck by the word “aviator” and the idea of exploration. Here’s where I landed tonight:
Please,
perch here for a moment.
Pause.
Extend your wings.
This space is more stable than it seems
and can support you
until you are ready to fly.
Amanda, I’m so glad you came by to write with us. I love the repetition of the p sound in please and pause. “This space is stable and safe until you are ready” is a wonderful message for both photos.