Butterfly Point of View

Perhaps it would be good to see the world from a butterfly point of view. One of the wonders of the insect world is the emergence of a butterfly from a cocoon. The transformation that takes place is truly amazing as the caterpillar’ body is dissolved and reorganized into a butterfly. I remember as a kid cutting open a cocoon to see the developing butterfly and finding a gooey mass of green slime instead.

The wonder of butterflies can inspire our imagination. Someone named Margy wrote the following on February 27, 1990. Somehow this short poem found its way to me. It is a butterfly point of view of metamorphosis if a butterfly could think like a human. It’s also a reminder of how God can reshape us into something new.

In the fall, I enjoy the fresh air and falling leaves for the last time,
for soon I prepare a cocoon for myself.

A cocoon that will keep me safe and warm against the harsh winter!

I withdraw into the cocoon when it’s time, withdrawing into the darkness, away from the cold stings of the world.

I sleep and sleep, losing all energy, lying dormant.

It’s cloudy and dark. I feel the emptiness, loneliness.

I wait and wait!

And, when it’s time, God’s gentle voice tells me, “Wake up, you’re free!”

Slowly, I eat away at the cocoon, feeling the warmth of the sunshine on my face.

I step out, realizing God has blessed me with wings!

I’m anxious, but I make my first attempts to fly.

The wind helps lift me up into the gentle breeze.

I flap my wings. I’m flying! I’m free!

Once again I feel confident, confident to face the world.

–John N. Clayton © 2017