In addition to being a memorial to
those who have passed, a walk through an old cemetery is a walk through an
underutilized park with the addition of a history lesson thrown in for those
who stop to read the stones. It is also a visit to a quiet sculpture garden
complete with towering obelisks reminiscent of ancient Egyptian. Traveling thousands of years forward in time, brooding
medieval angels stare down knowingly along with many other iconic
representations of the afterlife.
I come across a beautiful old stone
from the 1800’s in memory of Harold and Cynthia Miller. The stone explains that
they both had been distinguished entomologists and founding members of the
American Entomological Society of America. I wonder at the myriad assemblage of
unique species that this couple discovered, described, and catalogued in their
careers. While I observe and appreciate the intricate stonework on a seal of
the society displayed below their names, I wonder what this interesting couple
looked like? Do their spirits still exist wandering the cosmos and if so are they
happy and still together?
It is a grey soggy day which
combined with the somber setting and dreary gravestones make it all the more
surprising to see two brightly colored butterflies in the sky above me descending
while fluttering flirtatiously around each other as they drop into the cemetery
and make their way in my direction surprisingly landing on the Miller tombstone.
The larger butterfly is a bright cerulean blue and its smaller partner is an iridescent pink. This is very strange as
there are no other insects visible in the cemetery today? Is this a visit from
the beyond? I have a nervous feeling of butterflies in my stomach as these
questions fluttered around in my consciousness. Now the two insects sit adjacent
to each other and begin to sidestep, moving closer towards each other. When
they are within reach each extends their adjacent forearms and hold them
together. Both insects stare directly at me intently as if through this
behavior they are attempting to communicate with me and answer my philosophical
questions. The sights and sounds of the city melt away as this is a surreal
experience. This seemed like unusual insect behavior and I intuitively feel that
all of my questions are being answered.
Without moving the thought occurs to
me that it is time to move on, and as I mentally say goodbye to the Millers,
the butterflies, seemingly content that their mission is accomplished, released
each other and launched into the sky, continuing their joyful flight and
disappear over a hill.
Jim
April ‘23
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