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The Butterfly and the Caterpillar

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Author's Notes: "The Butterfly and the Caterpillar," is a free verse selection that my wife, Ingrid, and I collaborated on and completed on July 10, 2017. This particular verse is one that invites metaphorical interpretation by the reader among other possibilities as well. The metamorphosis process it alludes to with the eventual transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly speaks volumes to the essential wonder and majesty of nature under the aegis of God's divine touch. There are so many beautiful things for sure in our natural world. People just have to open their eyes to see them. We hope you find this particular verse to be of interest. (Gary Bateman - July 11, 2017) (Free Verse)

Categories: change, introspection, journey, metaphor, nature, spiritual, and symbolism.

The Butterfly and the Caterpillar “This is the end,” said the caterpillar. “This is the beginning,” said the butterfly. The butterfly is fulfilling its goal by leading the life of a butterfly. Why should he live like a caterpillar, only so the caterpillars can be less afraid? Since the butterfly knows the life of a caterpillar, he can help the caterpillars to be less afraid when he lives the life of a butterfly. Who knows the sweetness of nectar, shall never want to eat leaves again. And how about you? The rare moments you feel like a butterfly. And there are days you feel like a caterpillar. But isn’t it you who is exactly that butterfly, who is helping the caterpillar to be less afraid? Gary Bateman and Ingrid Krukenberg-Bateman Copyright © All Rights Reserved July 10, 2017 (Free Verse)

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Sunita U.D Palawon

Date: 8/3/2017 9:06:00 AM

This so very inspiring and leaves food for thoughts. it is almost didactic. Your write has such depth and such harmony of ideas. GL to both. Regs Sunita :)

Gary Bateman
Date: 8/3/2017 11:12:00 AM

Thanks so much Sunita!! I know that Ingrid shall be truly pleased (as I am too) by your great comments and observations here concerning this uplifting write. It is most certainly almost didactic for sure!! Continued Best Wishes, Gary

Silent One

Date: 7/31/2017 8:54:00 AM

Thought provoking philosophical poem.. so many different meaning, without the caterpillar, we would not have the butterfly.. We must learn to crawl in life, before we can fly... and just when the caterpillar though he was going to die, he became a butterfly.. A great collab with your better half, my friend... :)

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/31/2017 8:59:00 AM

Thanks Silent . . . I wouldn't have been able to finalize this one without the very thoughtful inputs and suggestions from my wife. She's actually the one responsible for getting the balling rolling on this very reflective write. Continued Best Wishes from Ingrid and me!! Gary

Indiana Shaw

Date: 7/28/2017 11:58:00 AM

A lovely tale of life and death - death does not always mean expiry for some a rebirth - I can feel the caterpillars fear and yes are we all not the caterpillar and the butterfly - brilliantly expressed - lovely collaborated poem from you both - Indiana x x x

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/28/2017 1:48:00 PM

Thanks Indiana for your read here and great observation of the transformational circumstance of the caterpillar and the butterfly. Ingrid and I certainly appreciate your note!! I will be by in the future to read more of your poetry too. Have a great weekend!! Best Wishes, Gary

Dorian Petersen Potter

Date: 7/15/2017 5:34:00 PM

Hi G and Ingrid!:)Wow! This is a very beautiful, outstanding , spiritual piece, you've painted here my very dear friends Gary and Ingrid.Just awesome!Very beautifully written in the Free Verse style.Fantastic metaphor!Wonderful poem G!:))Excellent collaboration! I enjoyed it !Golden pens!A 7 + + + to each !A fav.Sending my love n' prayers to you and Ingrid, as always:))Take very good care of each other now, ok :)All the best to you both always G! Spill ink!:))Wishing you a very lovely weekend!In His light God bless you always!:)D

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/16/2017 10:49:00 AM

Hello D!! Thanks very much for your read and fabulous comments here on "The Butterfly and the Caterpillar." Always great to hear from you!! These types of writes are particularly influenced by Ingrid. She has very strong focus on both nature and meditative themes. Thanks also for the TR/FAV!! I'm still working on multiple projects and try to post poetry whenever I can. Ingrid and I hope all is going well with you and wish you always the very best!! Cheers and Best, G!!

Ralph Sergi

Date: 7/14/2017 7:07:00 PM

Beautiful collaboration It sounds like a simile of a parent nurturing their child.

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/15/2017 6:53:00 AM

Hello Ralph, We both really appreciate your note here. You've actually said something very profound here with your mention of the "simile" above. I think everyone always looks at the beauty and wonder of the Butterfly, but tend not pay much attention to the role of the Caterpillar in this whole process. Best Always, Gary

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 7/14/2017 6:47:00 AM

- What a wonderful poem from you, Ingrid & Gary :) - I wish you a lovely weekend :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/14/2017 6:54:00 AM

Thanks Anne-Lise!! Great to hear from you. We're both really pleased that you like this co-authored verse from us. These are really refreshing and positive fun writes. Best Wishes from Ingrid and me!! Have a great weekend!! Cheers, Gary

Akkina Downing

Date: 7/13/2017 9:14:00 PM

i just always thought of how beautiful and fragile the butterfly is and never considered the caterpillar. Learned something great today and thank you both for sharing this :)

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/14/2017 5:52:00 AM

Thanks Kina!! Ingrid and I really appreciate your thoughts here. Yes, the caterpillar is truly essential to the ultimate birth and existence of the fragile butterfly. Best Wishes, Gary

M. L. Kiser

Date: 7/13/2017 2:42:00 AM

That went very well! A great collaboration. I look forward to reading many more.

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/13/2017 6:59:00 PM

ML, Both Ingrid and I thank you very much. These are fun writes that always have an uplifting message. I look forward to reading many more of your poems too. Best Always, Gary

Charlie Smith

Date: 7/11/2017 11:50:00 AM

Strong on the introspection, well done Gary and Ingrid, love seeing a husband and wife collaboration.

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/12/2017 5:19:00 AM

Thanks Charlie!! We will both be doing more of these in the future. We're both very pleased that you liked this particular write. Cheers and Best Wishes, Gary