“What we call ‘death,’ is but the
painful metamorphosis.”
Edgar Allan Poe - Mesmeric Revelation
While continuing to recognize National Moth Week, I thought I would
take my revelry in a different direction and celebrate the beauty in their death. After
all, thanks to their affinity for bird and bat attracting porch lights and
limiting biology, many moths have rather short lifespans. However, it's comforting to know we can still
appreciate their beauty, long after their little moth souls have left their
bodies.
This lovely luna most likely departed this world in violent manner. I explained to a friend that the tragedy lies in the short time we get to spend with these unique creatures due to their natural short life span, about 7 days. She disagreed and felt the saddest thing of all for this sweetie is its lack of mouth. How awful to live for seven days without a belleh-full!
This lovely luna most likely departed this world in violent manner. I explained to a friend that the tragedy lies in the short time we get to spend with these unique creatures due to their natural short life span, about 7 days. She disagreed and felt the saddest thing of all for this sweetie is its lack of mouth. How awful to live for seven days without a belleh-full!
The scattered limbs and missing wings do not detract from the
haunting beauty of this moth.
I suspect this Polyphemus moth was the very one playing peek-a-boo with me in the morning. Alas… he should have flown for the safety of the woods like I suggested. Now, he’s just a lovely remain.
“…for Mercutio’s soul
Is but a little way above our heads,
Staying for thine to keep him company.
Either thou or I, or both, must go with
him.”
Shakespeare - Romeo and Juliet
Every picture I took of this luminescent moth had an aura. I suspect, like Mercutio, this white ermine's soul hovered a bit before leaving us.
Finally, a bleak reminder that death comes to even the prettiest among us. Obviously he's not a moth, but RIP swallowtail.
