Damaged Butterfly
She seems to be having trouble with her proboscis, it has some form of growth on it and she was agitated, preoccupied and disinclined to fly far. So it was easy for me to get up close. She struggled with her condition for a while but never really lost her essential integrity, never sank below being what she is. Lucky butterfly.
Lucky because she didn’t have to know the emotion and attendant thinking ‘human’ nature would normally generate in a similar situation. A curse you could say. Or you could say a challenge, to climb, you could. But never mind, all is as it is without mind to darken it.
Beautiful, damaged, butterfly.
© Mark Berkery ……. Click any picture and click again to enlarge
Nature's Place 
[Thanks all. The natural things don’t seem to make a drama of any of it.]
No, drama is the domain of humans. But marvel, that humans have a choice to be aware of their drama.
And then choose whether or not to continue in it.
Your sensitive, insightful photography and well-chosen words highlight the wisdom that nature offers.
No, I don’t think there is always a choice. Sometimes you just have to live it to pass through it. Eventually there is a choice, but nobody knows when that may be.
Well, it is not meant as an argument. I am just fascinated by your view and would like to understand more. I cannot yet imagine a situation where a person does not have a choice to become aware of their drama. And once aware, to choose whether or not to continue it. No, I guess you have a point. I remember a few years ago I did get stuck in my own dramas, and though aware could not stop it as it was unfolding. It has taken some work to now generally be able to let go quickly of fixed ideas and charged emotions. And sure, we are all different. I don’t know how it is for others and would not presume to speak for all. Thanks for the rebuttal which helped me find my own clarification. And of course for the beautiful photography.
Who’s arguing. Yes, you can be aware what you do is not good (for you) and still have no choice. You use the word Drama as if you/it comes from a particular teaching or philosophy. Teachers/people who know the truth can speak the truth but that doesn’t mean they live the truth. I just do my best …
A few years ago you got stuck … Some people might say a few years ago I thought I really had a choice. It isn’t all onward and upward … We are all different until we have had enough and don’t have to repeat any more.
And the great leveller is death, psychological, emotional, physical comes to us all in the end. An end to all born of or in existence.
Hi,
I love your pictures of insects. They are so sharp!
The objects on the tongue of the butterfly are the pollen (pollinia) of orchids. They adhere to the tongue and travel in this manner to another orchid.
Thanks Ferry, never knew that.
amazing photos. very inspiring :)
thank you
i really love this one
Thanks all. The natural things don’t seem to make a drama of any of it.
i’m always so astounded by your photographs, incredible
There are so many challenges in life isn’t there? If only we can all be brave enough to rise above them.
Poor butterfly!! I wonder if it is a kind of fungi? At the end of the season, I always see a lot with damaged wings as this one has and wonder at the predators it has escaped in order to survive this long, and of course your season is just starting.
Beautiful shots Mark. I love the eyes.
Outstanding photos. Love the clear views of the butterfly mouth and how it curls up.