Love at First Flight: Elkton Butterfly Pavilion

Okay, so it's a few days past Valentine's Day, but it's never too late to feel the LOVE.

In fact, I am still seriously crushing on a place I visited awhile ago: The Elkton Butterfly Pavilion.

Though I adore so many towns in Oregon, Elkton is one near the top of my list. Located half-way between Eugene and the coast, this historic hometown is simply a small-but-mighty-sweet surprise. Such a muse is my Elkton, I am suddenly feeling the need to compose in iambic pentameter.

[Read on accordingly in your best Shakespearean accent.]

Love at First Flight

by one fairly infatuated farm girl

There lies a dream-like sweetly scented trail

Where time stands still amidst the amber vale.

And blossoms gently lilt to kiss your cheek

Whilst velvet grasses comfort tired feet.

Like curtains then the briars and brambles part;

Light floods the path to this pavillion's heart--

A nursery-garden, screened against the sky.

Inside, ephemeral Monarchs flutter by,

Emergent from their shells in recent hours,

Alighted o'er bouquets of nectar flowers.

How does this insect course from worm to wing?

Just there--chrysalises faintly swirl and sing

Of life that morphs from gold to green to black

Until the queen steps royally from her sack.

In pomp and glory coloured of the flame,

Bold, cape-like wings befit her mighty name.

She finds her prince; they sip perfumed milk

Hence drying their cloaks of powdery, spotted silk.

Surveying kingdoms come, they float around

O'er painted petals, brushed across the ground.

Perchance a starling, perched upon a ray

Will chirp and twitter, heralding the day

Move closer, softly, witness here his view

Of verdant meadows brimmed in blush's hue.

Then flitter o'er the hedges toward the buyer

Where native species huddle and conspire

To oust invasive salients from the land

Returning God's estate to faithful hands.

'Tis but a place for meeting a chance friend

Or chasing dusty byways 'til they end.

There, gather fleeting moments whilst you swirl

Like childhood's innocence, lost as they unfurl

For Monarchs' sunset steals such precious time

To understand life's miracles sublime

So step forth from the shadows of your life

And planting beauty, conquer age's strife.

Breathe deeply, 'neath the Heavens' sapphire light

Embracing fleeting joy from love's first flight.