“What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly.” – Richard Bach, Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah
Often times, aren’t we just like the caterpillar? A creature crafted on its lonely cocoon, filled with darkness, while missing out the world full of colors. Yet instead of being sealed with the tomb, those fragments of dilemmas encapsulated our view to life.
During those times, we often wonder:
Is it really for the better?
The master would instantly appreciate the aftermath, but no one talks about how hard it was to survive alone.
It must have been a lonely path, how did you make it this far?
With all the days that I spent trying to fought those battles inside my head – I knew that courage does exist. Lo and behold, because a butterfly is full of it.
Incase you saw a butterfly today, think of it as your reflection.
This a drastic cycle that we’re meant to go through for the emergence of a promised tomorrow. But I want to applaud you for surviving those pit alone. It must have been so hard.
But those sorrows already mold you to the person that you are today. The pain that you chose to bear alone, already instilled a colourful remark on your wings. All the agony that made your heart tore apart into countless of pieces, became the shade of your bravery.
So keep carrying on.
The world is brighter with your colors in it.
. . .
I remember a line from a song,
“Ipapahiram ko sa’yo ang aking dalawang mata, para malaman mo kung pa’no kita nakikita”.
“I would lend my eyes to you, just so you can see yourself the way that I do”.
You may think that you are slowly cascading from those problems that the world has put in you, but I hope this will serve as your reminder that like a butterfly who cannot see its own wings; you’ve made this far already.
For a caterpillar who once thought that world would end, you are just in the right place for a beautiful beginning.
Sometimes, it takes a one’s perspective to realize how far we’ve really became. Either you are still a caterpillar on its cocoon, maybe in a course ride for its shed, or even a fully transformed butterfly,
I am proud of you for being here.
Thank you for choosing life.
About the Creator
Komal
I write poems and stories that hit the feels.
When I’m not lost in my own plots, I’m either daydreaming about the next big idea or just winging life with a grin.
𝕀 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 ℙ𝕠𝕨𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕠 𝕞𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕒𝕟 𝕀𝕄ℙ𝔸ℂ𝕋
Reader insights
Nice work
Very well written. Keep up the good work!
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Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Eye opening
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On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
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An Envelope Full of Memories
I’m back with more writing adventures from my youth! It feels light and crisp in my hands. The paper is slightly wrinkled and yellowed with age… and there’s a weird stain in the top left corner. Inside it is a little window to a younger me.
By Sandy Gillman4 days ago in Writers
Comments (11)
The symbolism of a butterfly is so incredible. Their lifespans are short but boy do they exhibit such beauty and they experience an uninhibited nature.
No matter the trials and tribulations the future may bring, we are bright and powerful as humans who press on and keep growing and learning! :)
Wow, beautifully written! The title and the picture caught my eye and I'm glad I read it. It's really deep and a perspective of butterflies and us, never thought of it that way.
Another inspiring and beautifully penned piece of prose.
Anew color attracts us to other angles so that we can see the end of our lives and contemplate it Bravo Komal
What a nice and relatable story! Thanks for sharing this heartfelt piece Komal🍁💜
Incase you saw a butterfly today, think of it as your reflection..this caught my attention..and yes sometimes we forget who we are ..but as times moved on we finally realize who we really are Well written and keep on writing more inspirational poems and stories
This thought is truly inspiring and filled with deep meaning. Richard Bach's line, along with the perspective you shared, beautifully illustrates the journey of life's struggles and growth. A caterpillar, fearful of the end of the world, and then emerging as a butterfly from the very same process, teaches us that every difficulty, every pain, and every moment of solitude ultimately leads us to a new beginning.
This is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the transformative power of adversity. Your words resonate deeply, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope for a brighter future. You've captured the essence of resilience and the beauty of metamorphosis. Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt and inspiring message.
Beautifully written! This reminds me that even in dark times, we're growing into something stronger. Thank you for this inspiring message. 🦋✨
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So very true. We often don't know ourselves.