Butterfly collection

WorldImages

I have a butterfly collection. It does not consist of physically real, actual specimens pinned to a board with a label beneath. It only exists in my memory, until I catch a new one, then that one exists for a fleeting moment in my heart, my mind, and my tummy.

I am referring to the flickering fluttering beating of fragile wings that happens under your ribs when your sweetie looks at you that way. Or when you see an old flame who you aren't supposed to care about. Or when you realize you are pregnant, or in love, or in over your head. Butterflies in my collection are the ones from the good things in life.

Butterflies prove to me that I am still sensitive to the things that make life worth living; a really great kiss, a really profound and changing moment, a treasured secret discovered. As I grow older, I add more slowly to my collection. The really great moments just don't come around as often as when one is new to the world of love and discovery. But, come around they do.

Be ready with your net, the one you weave out of memory, to capture and keep the delicate wisps of the moment for later savoring.

What is in your butterfly collection?