avatarUlf Wolf

Summary

An October butterfly's futile yet admirable search for Spring in the midst of Autumn is observed by a writer who reflects on the determination and mystery of nature.

Abstract

The author describes a personal ritual of visiting the Pacific Ocean to connect with nature's vastness. On an October day, the writer encounters a butterfly actively seeking out flowers, despite the season being far removed from Spring. This sighting prompts introspection on the butterfly's behavior, the relentless pursuit of a goal in the face of futility, and the enigmatic aspects of the natural world. The butterfly's persistence, despite the unlikelihood of finding what it seeks, is seen as both strange and commendable, embodying a perseverance that remains a mystery to the observer.

Opinions

  • The author admires the butterfly's determination and perseverance in its search, despite the seasonal inappropriateness of its quest.
  • There is a sense of wonder and curiosity about the butterfly's motivations and the information it might be acting on.
  • The writer implies that the butterfly's project is futile, given that Spring has long passed and Autumn is well underway.
  • The butterfly's behavior is seen as a privilege to witness, highlighting the author's appreciation for the unpredictable and mysterious aspects of nature.
  • The author reflects on the beauty and aliveness of the natural setting, emphasizing the Pacific Ocean's grandeur and the intricate dance of its elements.

October Butterfly

Searching for May Everywhere

Image by Author

October butterfly looking for May in every wilted flower

Most afternoons I saunter down to the Pacific Ocean just to make sure it hasn’t gone anywhere — is still there. And there’s a nice little bench about fifteen minutes from my cabin where I normally sit down unless it’s raining or the seat is wet, and just absorb: space, water, waves rearing and tossing into spindrift on a windy day, surf. It is tremendously alive.

It is a privilege.

This is an October day and none too warm. I’m sitting on the bench as usual, gazing at a lot of water; and then, out of some strange nowhere: a butterfly. A pretty one at that, colorful, rather large, and determined:

First this wilted October flower, then the next, and then the next, and then — not about to give up so easily — the next after that, et cetera.

I have to ask myself: what on earth? It’s not like Spring is playing hide-and-seek or anything, it’s been gone for months; there’s no pretending that we are not quite a ways into and through Autumn by now, Thanksgiving up ahead, so what possible information is this butterfly basing his/her current project on — and what’s the objective? one wonders.

And so determined. Nixed by one flower after the other, he/she just moves on to the next and the next.

Gotta admire this strange, misbegotten, perseverance.

And still, to this day, a mystery.

© Wolfstuff

Autumn
Butterfly
October
Confusion
May Is Gone
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