The Final Dance of the Willow Butterflies
Nature never stops amazing you. A minute in your life can be a lifetime of another creature. Just like last year, and the one before that, and who knows since when, the willow butterflies have flown along the Sakarya river, to the same bridge over the Istanbul-Ankara highway.
During their last flight, they looked at the valley once again, gazed at the stars in admiration. They savored each breath, enjoying the aroma of a myriad flowers nature had to offer; thankfully accepting carbon monoxide, pesticides and what not, as well. They were not the complaining kind and they had a tight schedule.
Depending on the temperature, every second or third week of July, the willow butterflies will make this journey, their only journey, during their life span of three days. They have to squeeze a lifetime in 72 hours.
Yet, no complaints, no regrets. They flew alongside the river just like their ancestors did, and arrived to the bridge for their last dance with the angel of death. Over the highway, bathing under the lights of the bridge, they joyfully danced, and danced. And gracefully they fell, their last words echoed a silent “Thank you!” to mother nature for being so kind to them.
Images: Hurriyet
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