The Butterflies of St. Jean’s Day

HAITI-

Prospery Raymond

June unfurls her vibrant tapestry over Haiti’s landscape, a month where nature’s splendor reaches its crescendo. As a child, the arrival of the 24th heralded a symphony of blossoms, birds, and the ethereal dance of butterflies, filling my heart with unbridled joy.

In those carefree days, the end of the school year ushered in a liberating sense of freedom. Exempt from final exams, I would mount my bicycle and embark on adventures through the winding streets of Les Cayes, my hometown and a blue sky. Everywhere I turned, the flamboyant trees adorned the city with their fiery red blooms, igniting a sense of happiness within me. I would let the warm breeze caress my face, especially when cycling along the quay, allowing the salty air to invigorate my senses.

While time has ushered in changes, June remains a month where I can bask in the spirit of summer, even amidst the busyness of work. My mind wanders freely, embracing life’s simplicities and finding solace in the lighthearted moments, no matter the challenges that may arise.

While the children of Port-au-Prince may be deprived of this beautiful spectacle now, displaced by the harsh realities of a tumultuous security situation, those in rural areas are granted a front-row seat to nature’s enchanting performance. This year, though far from Haiti’s shores, I may not witness the kaleidoscopic swarms of butterflies that once graced the skies. Yet, in my mind’s eye, I can envision their delicate wings unfurling, a tapestry of vibrant hues dancing across the verdant fields and lush grasslands. Fragile and ethereal, they flit and flutter, alighting upon my face and hair, bestowing upon me a sense of childlike wonder and tranquility.

The changing climate has altered their patterns, reminding me that adaptation is key, even as I cling to the free-spirited essence of my youth. In those fleeting moments when the butterflies surround me, I am transported to a realm where nature’s beauty envelops me, igniting goosebumps and a fluttering sensation within my soul – a profound connection to the world around me and the untamed depths of my inner being.

In the whimsical dance of the butterflies, I find solace, a reminder to embrace the ephemeral beauty that life offers, to revel in the present, and to carry the spirit of June’s enchantment wherever my journey leads.

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