the block with wings

the block with wings

July 30, 2025

I used to think we just walked.  
From here to there.  
Get some air.  
See a few things.  

But now I know  
we teach each other how to notice.  

We’d seen monarchs on this block before.  
Always fluttering too high.  
Always just out of reach.  
Last time I had the 50.  
This time, I brought the macro.  

I was holding him.  
No stroller.  
No spare hand.  
Just him in one arm,  
camera in the other.  

The butterfly was in a tree.  
I switched to DX mode  
and started slow.  
Got everything I could.  
Angle after angle.  

A woman walking her dog told us  
they’re always right here.  
I told her this was the same block  
where we last saw one.  
Right across the street.  

I noticed the butterfly.  
She noticed us noticing.  
And he watched it all unfold  
from my arms.  

He didn’t point this time.  
I don’t know if it flew away  
or if we just left.  
Maybe it was still there.  
Maybe it wasn’t.  

But I think I got all there was to get.  
And for once,  
that felt like enough.