Beauty on Barbed Wire and Broken-Winged Butterfly

  It is especially strange to be here at the orphanage while the children are away. I miss them.  

While the grounds are quieter than normal and my schedule less full, and with no classes, appointments or group therapy sessions over the weekend, I have had some time to reflect, read, write, pray and of course wander the grounds with my camera in hand. 

The orphanage like many homes and business in Haiti is surrounded by tall cinder block walls topped with broken glass and barbed wire.  While ugly, they are practical, used to prevent people who might commit crimes from entering.  While taking pictures recently, I was especially struck by the contrast of the barbed wire, broken glass and tall cinder block walls, and the abundance of life that sometimes surrounds them.  I call these four photos: 

Beauty on Barbed Wire.         

     

 I enjoy the challenge of trying to snap a good bird or butterfly picture before it flies away.  While chasing butterflies in the currently childless orphanage playground I encoutnered this one .  While I took many pictures of butterflies that would by most conventional standards be considered more beautiful, this is the butterfly that spoke most strongly to me.  I was compelled to respond.  

Broken Winged Butterfly

The flutter of your injured wings whispers words of wisdom,

Both broken and beautiful

 Tattered and Talented

Easily labeled disabled and dysfunctional

yet, you are so capable  

you fly!  

Others appear perfect in thier seemingly effortless grace

though they've not a shadow of your strength,

(Or perhaps they're equally broken, hindered by hidden hurts

always unknown to the onlooker.)

Broken Winged Butterfly, 

When I saw your tattered wings

then watched you fly, 

my heart flew too.             

I am continuing to teach English this week.  Things are going well for me and hopefully for you too.  Many blessings!