
Photograph and poem by Joni Caggiano September 8, 2021
red hat on an arrogant rooster crowing
crickets frantically rub spiny legs spinning tales
turtles crawl along like tourists with too much baggage
blue jays sneak seeds released by a pair of artistic squirrels
twin milkweed plants sigh, missing the fading monarch caterpillars
yellow jackets stinging lawnmowers, confused in an insect world, upside down
cartel seeks totoaba for its swim bladder, as vaquitas are fading in nets as they drown
a child flies an orange balloon, a doe is hit by a car, water puts out fires, death has no sound
Dear WordPress family,
It was so disappointing that our milkweed plants were void of all monarch caterpillars this year. Last year in 2020, the yearly overwintering in Mexico showed a 53% decrease in their migration, placing the monarch population well below the extinction threshold.
I wanted to take this chance to tell you all how much I enjoy being part of this unique community. The friendships I am still making and the opportunities to share my work have been a blessing. Thank you for caring and embracing me as part of your lives.
Love to you all,
Joni
Your poem reflects the frightening reality we are facing, Joni: extinction creeps up on us, almost unannounced 😳
LikeLiked by 3 people
It definitely does. Thank you for reading and your comment. That is such a significant drop that they may be extinct in just a few years. Hope you have a blessed and amazing day Ingrid. Hugs and love, ❤️Joni
LikeLiked by 3 people
I love how you individualize each living creature with their characteristic traits.
And life is a mix of good and bad, happy and sad. You say this so beautifully.
And these caterpillars are so attractive. Yes, the change in weather conditions is causing much havoc.
It’s lovely to connect with you, Joni. Lots of peace and happiness to you. 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you so much Terveen for ready and your beautiful comment. Nature is so special and was beautifully balanced but no more. Life is mixed with happy and sad so very true. It is wonderful to connect with you as well. Lots of love, hugs and happiness coming your way. Love ❤️ Joni
LikeLiked by 2 people
Lovely poem. Nature goes in cycles. One year lots of butterflies. The next year few. I see the fluctuations in insects birds and other animals year after year.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Very true Tim. Thanks for your kind comment. We were so looking forward to seeing the cycle of their life right in front of our home. I knew last year was a blessing. It gives me hope that they will come again. Thanks Tim. Sending my love to you two and all the beautiful creatures you love. ❤️🤗💝Joni
LikeLiked by 2 people
The econsystem is change dramatically under our nose, maybe we are too frighten to pause to pay attention. You bring light and joy and love to this community Joni! Sending you abundant blessings and love! 💚
LikeLiked by 3 people
Cassa that is a very kind thing to say. Thank you sweetie. I appreciate those words more than you know. Love ❤️ you Joni
LikeLiked by 1 person
A beautiful poem, so well expressed, paying homage to our beautiful earthly companions. Your words always bring joy to my heart, Joni. I’m so glad that we’ve connected here. Grateful for you, my dear friend. Sending lots of love, blessings, and many hugs. 🥰❤️🥰
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Jeff for your very kind words. I am so glad you liked it.
“Your words always bring joy to my heart,”.
What a thoughtful thing to say. You touched my heart. I too am so glad that we connected here. I too am grateful. I enjoy your work and knowing you is a blessing. Thank you for the love and sending more back. Have an inspired day my friend. ❤️🤗🦋💕😘Joni
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re most welcome, dear Joni. Always. Connection is such a beautiful thing. 🥰 Thank you for the love, sending hugs and love back. xoxoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤗❤️🦋
LikeLiked by 1 person
Once again you make us think of how void the world would be without the magnificent Monarch Butterfly and so many of the other species that face extinction, including us! Take care and thank you for your beautiful thoughtful poem. I love the way you positioned the lines.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hi sweet Brenda how are things going? I must visit after this response. Thank you for your kind comment. I think butterflies can be like a gift. I have a girlfriend in Washington that butterflies will just go to and sit on her finger, wherever they can. I really think creatures even insects are smarter than we think. I appreciate such a kind response. I am sending you lots of love and ten monarchs carrying freshly spun silk to wear in your hair. Love you, Joni 🦋🦋🦋🦋
LikeLiked by 2 people
Beautiful writing honeybun. I really enjoyed the poem. I said that on Twitter.
“It was so disappointing that our milkweed plants were void of all monarch caterpillars this year.” It really is hon. Things are changing rapidly and not for the good.
Sending you tons of love.
Have a glorious day.
xoxoxoxo…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much Button. I am so glad you liked the poem it means a lot to me. I always appreciate you reading my work and commenting as I know college has begun and I can’t imagine how busy you are. It is very sad that the monarchs are dying. As long as we can see the amazing beauty in our world many are blind to the damage we are causing in other countries that create little pollution. Sending you lots and lots of love ❤️ right back.
❤️🤗🦋😘💕💝💝
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for the love. Yes, it’s very sad they are dying. My heart break.
Sending more love hon. Be well. Be happy.
LikeLiked by 2 people
😘💝🌷🌹💕🌺💐
LikeLiked by 2 people
Your picture is so vivid & clear, how beautiful to see. I loved your poem that speaks the truth, & reminds us to take care of each other, God’s creatures & Mother Earth. You are a true blessing in my life & I love you dearly
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi buddy how is Montana? It is such a blessing to hear from you. I appreciate your support from the very beginning. You believed in my ability to write and that helped me to start this blog. I will never forget. Give Mark my love and you two be safe and stay away from the bears. Love you bunches. I hope the fairies got you all unpacked, cooked you dinner and massaged your feet. Don’t spoil them too much. They never want to come see me after spending time with you two. Love you my dear friend. 🤗❤️🦋💝🧚🏻🧚♀️🧚♂️🧚🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh I love your poem but soooo sad to hear this. Sending you a lot of love and credit for your love and effort in trying.. xoxoxo my friend closer than far!💖💖💖
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh Cindy you are such a treasure in so many ways. Thank you. I am sending so much love, my friend closer than far. 🤗❤️🦋💗💕😘😘💗
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh I’m sooo glad and you are to me as well my friend.. happy weekending love💖
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much sweetie. ❤️❤️🤗🦋😘💝💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re sooo welcome!💖💖❣️
LikeLiked by 2 people
🤗❤️🦋🌹💝💗💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are an inspiration and blessing to us all dear friend. Your words paint colors of how life feels upon this journey!!🐝🌺🍮🍮🍮🎶🍮🍮
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so thoughtful and kind. Your words mean a lot to me.
“your words paint colors of how life feels upon this journey!!”
Thank you what an extremely kind comment.
Sending coffee and my love to you. 🥮🥐☕️☕️
LikeLike
Beautiful writing, beautiful well written post with so much meaning!! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your kindness. I appreciate your reading and your lovely comment. Enjoy your weekend. Love ❤️ Joni
LikeLike
Wonderfully penned….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so very much my friend for your very kind comment and for reading. Have an amazing weekend. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is wonderful to read Joni. So beautiful. Sadly we too have had few butterflies this year. Birds too. Such an amazing photograph, it’s awesome! Take. Are dear friend, be well and safe.
Sending love ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh thank you so much. It sounds like you are a lover of nature too. Thank you for all your sweet words. Sending my love and prayers for good health. I am doing well. Thank you sweetie. Love ❤️ Joni
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love nature and all creatures great and small. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can see that my friend. Have a blessed Sunday sweetie. Love Joni ❤️🤗😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have a great week Joni! ❤️💫❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too sweetie and be safe. ❤️🤗🦋💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too Joni ❤️🌷
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤️🤗🦋
LikeLike
You are a blessing to all of us, Joni. And especially to me, dear friend. Love, A. ❤ ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Anna thank you so much that means so much to me. Love to you my friend and your beautiful family. ❤️🤗🦋💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Concur Joni “how much I enjoy being part of this unique community.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤️🤗🦋😘
LikeLike
Concur Joni “how much I enjoy being part of this unique community.” I enjoy your work as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Tangie. We are indeed blessed by this community. Have a blessed evening. Love ❤️ Joni
LikeLike
Here in Michigan. They planted the milk-weed around the lakes and the milk weed plant attracted the butterflies. There were thousands to be seen. Next year I will plant the milk-weed plant around my house dear Johnnie. I like the butterflies too. I told my grandchildren. You see a butterfly. You can make a wish.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How wonderful they planted milkweed. I am glad you are seeing butterflies. They really are precious. It is a wonderful cycle to watch. Your grand babies will love watching it. Thank you for telling me it made me smile to think you will be planting milkweed. Bless your heart. Sending you love ❤️ and butterflies 🦋 Joni ❤️🤗🦋💝
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome dear Joni. Sometime we must help nature.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely. Your grandchildren will enjoy watching the process with the monarchs. I was like a little girl. ❤️🤗🦋love Joni
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for caring and for sharing your beautifully written poem and imagery with us. Wishing you blessings in abundance and sending lots of loving hugs your way 🤗🌸💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello my friend. Thank you so much for reading and your lovely comment. Also you can’t have too many blessings or hugs so thank you for those too. Sending more back your way. Love ❤️ Joni
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree and graciously accept the hugs and blessings coming my way 🙏🏼❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤️🤗🦋💝💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Buongiorno
Il tuo blog è molto bello e interessante.
Ti seguo con piacere.
Ti andrebbe di visitare e magari seguire il mio?
Grazie
Ti aspetto
Ti auguro una buona giornata
Natalia
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Natalia for your very thoughtful comment about my blog. I appreciate it very much. I don’t speak Italian but I will gladly read some of your poems by using a translator. Again thanks for your kind support and I hope you have an amazing day. I will read some of your pieces tomorrow I promise. I am also looking forward to it. Sending love ❤️ your way. ❤️🤗🦋Joni
LikeLike
Thank you very much Joni
I m waiting you.
And i hope you lika as you become my follower.
Bye
Have a good evening.
😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so welcome my friend. I look forward to reading your work. Thank you so much. 😘
LikeLike
You may be the sweetest of all the bloggers, Joni! Look at all the love!!! 💕 Your poem hits home, the world isn’t perfect, but we can protect and enjoy what we can, while we can!🦋🌻💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t know why your comments keep landing in spam or pending. This is such a sweet message, one of those that make you tear up. You are so thoughtful Tiffany. I consider you to be a modern day intuitive rock star artist, photographer, amazing painter, and I am just getting started, so we have a mutual admiration club sweetheart. Thank you for your kindness always my friend. Love you Tiffany. xoxoxoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person