European Cabbage Butterfly on Thistle

Sky Dancers

There's something happy about butterflies.
They flit-flitter as they flutter by,
flying flowers against the azure sky.

They alight upon the milkweed, and then
they circle, soar and alight again,
toe-dancing on pink petals in the glen.

Ever dwelling in hue and sweet fragrance,
in garden splendor they flicker as they dance.
Pollination is purely happen-stance.

I delight in their overflow of joy.
(They wouldn't even know how to be coy.)
A flame of mirth! A whirlygig! A toy!

Do they recall they once were grubby worms,
remember well their dark and squiggly squirms?
Reborn, now grace and beauty affirms!

This almost seems to be sheer fantasy,
sky dancers as enchanting as can be,
springing from blossoms right in front of me!

So, merrily a-nectaring they go,
reaping and sowing sweetness in day-glow...
Seems they have learned what all of us should know.

In contemplation of their simple ways,
I wish to add their ballet to my days,
to sky dance gracefully on wings of praise!

Maude Carolan Pych
c. 2004

Taken on our anniversary walk along the Delaware River.

[Kerri]

What a beautiful butterfly

[Rick Schies]

A wonderful photo Ann.

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@kerristephens @digitalrn Thank you both! I'm so excited to have (sort of) figured out the macro setting on my camera. I still need practice in holding the camera steady and at just the right distance, but every now and then, I get it like I got this one. Thanks again!

[Rick Schies]

For the macro shots you ought to get yourself a cheap tripod. It's fun

[Roe Jan]

Gorgeous shot! You're definitely getting the hang of the macro setting!

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@digitalrn @roejan I'll keep that in mind Rick. Right now there are some things in the house that need updating. Thanks Roe Jan- I am really glad you gave me that tip. Who knows if I'd ever have seen it in the manual, even though I try to read it to learn new things. This is now one of my favorite shots- just like the kind I used to take with my 35 mm.

[bkb in the city]

Good job capturing the moment

[Allison Williams]

Love the combination of colors and textures. What a pretty composition. And I enjoyed the accompanying poem. (esp. "toe-dancing")

[Linda]

Great capture!

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@bkbinthecity @allie912 @grannysue Thanks bkb. I was spooking the little butterfly out following him/her from plant to plant! Allison- the poem was written by a friend of mine who is an accomplished poetess. It is one of two favorite poems of mine written by her. (The other one has to do with Easter, so maybe I'll pull that out next Spring.) Thank you Linda! I appreciate your view and comment!

[Cindy Ford]

Beautiful shot Ann! Love the butterfly and the thistle!

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@cdford Thanks Cindy!

[Mrs. Smith]

So beautiful....perfect focus.

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@mrssmith Thank you Mrs. Smith for this and all your other faithful comments!