Often I reflect back to my upbringing, in the East Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York (New York city). We lived on the edge of decades of development, with just a few undeveloped ‘lots’ near our house. That’s where I searched. We saw a few butterflies, some darners and several species of birds.

Those ‘lots’ are now all gone. I’ve grown, and live in central Georgia.

The dearth of beauty that we saw during my childhood is stunning. When I meet those 6′ 4″ farmers here and there nowadays, I end up telling them. “You have no idea how lucky you are.” The infinite beauty that they enjoyed. incredible.

Only in 2017 did I get to see this winged beauty, a Northern Metalmark butterfly, fresh and vital. I got separated from the others there, in Lynx Prairie Reserve, in very southern Ohio. I entered a sizable prairie, alone, and soon discovered a fresh flight of dozens of Northern Metalmarks. Dozens!

I spent hours (?) attempting to capture the sunlight, reflecting back from those metallic jagged lines.

Who knew such exquisite beauty existed?

Jeff