Transformation

"How does one become butterfly?" Pooh asked pensively.

"You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar," Piglet replied.

– A. A. Milne

Over the last few weeks, the Community Market Garden has been witnessing the transformation of caterpillars into butterflies. During the sessions, staff and service users have followed the progression of five caterpillars as they have become chrysalids and finally emerged as vibrant 'Painted Ladies.'

Alongside the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly, service users have been exploring the subject of personal transformation through art (using mixed media) and planting nectar rich flowers which will provide food for butterflies and themselves benefit from the pollination they bring about.

Today's session saw the butterflies finally fly free into the natural habitat of the garden, bringing an end to their journey of transformation.

A service user present was inspired to write a poem while reflecting upon the day's events:

---

Time to Fly

Released, time to spread our wings and fly, Gliding upwards to a sun kissed sky.
Dancing among the leaves so green,
A wonder of nature creates a delightful scene.
Here we will stay, at least for a while, Watching the faces of children smile.
Admiring our beauty, our graceful wings, Even the birds are inspired to sing.
We mix with all creatures, friendly and gentle, And now those faces, looking so sentimental.
As we fly away, far from their view,
But the next person we see may be you.
If perchance we happen your way,
I hope you find we brighten your day.
Fragile wonders of nature, born to be free, Mingling with the birds, moths and the bees.