Moths and Butterflies
I thought they were butterflies
rising and dipping over the leaves,
fluttering white, light glancing
from their quick, shifting wings.
So pretty, I thought. But my Dad
told me they were only cabbage moths,
spoiling our vegetables, eating holes
in the greens meant for our dinner.
I observed later that butterflies were larger
and had more colours – beautiful creatures
that didn’t need to eat our food. They seemed
to need none; I thought they were fairies.
I think I’ve got it straight now. Fairies
are those flashes of light you see flitting
between visible and vanished. Butterflies
are leisurely aristocrats, multi-coloured.
I haven’t seen white cabbage moths
since I moved to this part of the world.
But in Spring, dancing above my geraniums,
glinting like sunshine, are tiny yellow ones.
Written for Poets and Storytellers United's Weekly Scribblings #73: Butterflies and Moths.
I love the description of butterflies as leisurely aristocrats. That just seems to suit the way they flit about so well.
ReplyDeleteAh, but your dad was mistaken! They ARE butteflies, Cabbage Whites, and are quite beautiful with their spots and grey wing tips. Of course, I don't grow brassica, so I don't mind them visiting my flowers! Their caterpillars eat in someone else's garden! I wonder why we plant flowers just for butterfly larvae to eat, and that's okay? My poem is accompanied by a photo of a gorgeous pink and orange moth.
ReplyDeleteComing from the UK to Australia many years ago it was a delight to discover all the variety of wild creatures including butterflies. However on the other hand how bad it was for the early British settlers to bring there own animals that were not good for the country.
ReplyDeleteFlutteriffic work!
ReplyDeleteNice one
ReplyDeleteHappy Wednesday
Much💛love
Roseman, I'm happy for you that you can now tell the difference between butterflies and moths. And fairly early in life too! ( A country boy, I had that trouble telling between lions and tigers.)
ReplyDelete..
What a pleasant surprise! A tutorial on moths, butterflies and fairies.. It made for a happy journey. Thanks much.
ReplyDeleteI love this, Rosemary. My Mother has morphed into a yellow butterfly. I see her everywhere I walk outdoors. An aristocrat for certain.
ReplyDeleteButterflies are aristocrats indeed! I never tire of watching them.
ReplyDeleteMulti coloured aristocrats is an apt image. Fairies as shimmer of light is too.
ReplyDeleteLove your reference to the butterflies as aristocrats. Good one,
ReplyDeleteRosemary!
I love the beautiful descriptions, Rosemary. And the way both child and adult see the magic in the world. Even when the world has done its best to make the magic unreal.
ReplyDelete