Ethereal Beauty of the Monarch
My encounter with a Monarch Butterfly
Ethereal Beauty
Text and image © Carmen Mandel-Cesáreo
“On the deep green of our lawn at home, a striking colour made me halt: a big Monarch butterfly was lying on the ground. I approached her slowly and assessed the situation: was she going to flutter away, was she taking a rest in a warm day or was she spending her last minutes of life in my garden?.
“My heart shrank as I returned with my camera to find her still there. Her awesome wings fluttered slowly every now and then. She seemed to be dying. Very cautiously I knelt down close to her to capture her beauty with my camera. I wanted to stop time as I did not want her to die.
“I could come very close to her. Then, she revealed an amazing face and body in a polka-dot pattern: all black with white round spots. I shot many frames; I wanted to give her life; I wanted her to become immortal to grace the world with her striking beauty. She seemed to be looking at me; I could see her eyes in her big face. I did not dare move.
“She moved slowly and switched position. Her broad and bright orange wings were a feast to my eyes, yet I felt deep sorrow. I captured many frames of her. Then, I decided to leave her alone. The following day, first thing in the morning I looked for her, but she was gone.
“I wish it is a brightly coloured sky where she fluttered her striking
beauty to.”
whisperingruth
Amazing writing Carmen . . . truly beautiful and moving . . .
Carmen Mandel-...
Lovely of you, Ruth, thank you. I am glad you enjoyed my story.
sasha
As beautiful as a monarch butterfly – lovely
Carmen Mandel-...
Thank you, Sasha, for taking the time to read my story and for leaving a very sweet comment.
Robert Elliott
Simply Beautiful Carmen
Carmen Mandel-...
Thank you, Rob, how nice you read my stories.
sasha
Beautiful butterfly – I hope he flew off to live another day. Their lifespans are so brief. I guess their concept of time differs from ours, if they have a concept of time, that is!
Carmen Mandel-... replied
Sasha, thank you for your interest and lovely comment. Yes, so fragile and ethereal they are!.
Nic Relton
Your writings are beautiful Carmen. I am sorry I have not read them sooner. They really are full of emotion.