The Metamorphosis of a Modern Man
Butterflies are one of nature’s most beautiful and fascinating creatures. They go through a remarkable process that marks their life.
Butterflies are one of nature’s most beautiful and fascinating creatures. They go through a remarkable process known as metamorphosis, which involves a complete transformation from an egg to a butterfly. This process is one of the most remarkable biological transformations known to man.
Butterfly metamorphosis consists of four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Each stage is unique and vital to the development of the butterfly.
Egg Stage. The first stage of butterfly metamorphosis is the egg stage. A female butterfly will lay her eggs on a plant that will serve as the food source for the emerging larva. The eggs are usually laid in small clusters and are protected by a hard, protective outer layer. The eggs hatch after a few days, and a tiny larva emerges.
This story begins when I was a child. I was born into a typical midwest family in the 70s and 80s. My Dad was a mechanic, and my mother was a schoolteacher. My parents provided for us, made sure we regularly attended catholic church, and raised us right by the standards of the day. They worked hard and provided us with so many experiences. Vacations traveling up and down the country, seeing all parts of the United States. Growing up in this generation and setting exposed me to only what was considered traditional. That’s all there was and all I knew.
Larva Stage The larva, also known as the caterpillar, is the second stage of butterfly metamorphosis. The larva feeds on the plant material around it and grows rapidly. The larva sheds its skin several times during this stage, as it grows larger and larger. The caterpillar has several pairs of legs, which it uses to crawl and climb over surfaces.
After graduating high school and entering college, I started exploring life independently. I had no idea who I was then and believed I was on my own. Growing, learning, and feeding on the world around me. I attended one semester of college out of town but never really found my groove. I corresponded with a good high school friend via handwritten letters, and we quickly realized we had feelings for each other. It’s humorous now to think back to this time before email and text messaging. This was all I needed to realize: I needed to return to my hometown to continue my college career.
We grew together. She taught me about women’s rights and feminism. We attempted to participate in a campus Christian club, but that didn’t feel right. We attended sporting events, art shows, theater productions, and music concerts. We started to discover who we were — together. We had full-time jobs, sometimes together. We moved in together. We changed many times but realized the people and deep values we held in our souls.
Pupa Stage The third stage of butterfly metamorphosis is the pupa stage. The pupa is also known as a chrysalis. During this stage, the larva undergoes a remarkable transformation. It spins a silk pad to attach itself to a secure location and then sheds its skin one last time, revealing a hard, protective outer casing.
Inside the chrysalis, the caterpillar begins to undergo a remarkable transformation. Its body breaks down into a liquid, and the cells begin to rearrange themselves into the form of an adult butterfly. This process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the species.
After eight wonderful years of dating, we got married. We had many discussions about last names but finally decided to merge our last names into both of our names. The feminist compromise continued, but we were still formally known by my family name. We continue dating as a newlywed couple. We still loved our music, theater, friends, and being together. We made a home. We became one with each other. Inseparable, best friends, and madly in love. About four years into our wedded bliss, we started a family. Our kids joined our loving home and we raised them with all that we learned. Our family is open about conversations around culture, politics, sexuality, and life. No topic is taboo at the dinner table.
Adult Stage The final stage of butterfly metamorphosis is the adult stage. After the transformation is complete, the butterfly emerges from the chrysalis with damp wings. It hangs upside down and pumps fluid into its wings to expand them fully. Once the wings are dry, the butterfly can fly.
The adult butterfly’s primary goal is to find a mate and reproduce, ensuring the survival of the species. The adult butterfly has a long, thin proboscis, which it uses to drink nectar from flowers. It also has brightly colored wings, which serve to attract potential mates and warn predators that it is poisonous.
Our children are is now in their late teen years and starting to reach adulthood. As I watch them embrace their future, they seem to have a level of maturity about life that I could only imagine. They are unafraid to express themselves, challenge gender norms, and be unapologetically original. As I watch them, I realize that I, as a middle-aged adult male, can be something more too. I yearn to be unapologetically original. I want to embrace both the masculine and feminine aspects of my personality.
I want to be a beautiful human. Uncertain if male or female, not needing to settle on any identity. I want to wear beautiful clothing; I want to be colorful; I want to shine. I now see beauty and attraction to all people, regardless of gender. I’m attracted to everyone and love all the beautiful original snowflakes around me. I’m still madly in love with my partner, and her with me.
Halfway through my life, I have finally reached adulthood. I love people unapologetically. I share myself in the unique flavor of the day. I breathe in the world around me. I am a grateful butterfly to be blessed with this life.
Butterfly metamorphosis is a remarkable process that is still not fully understood by scientists. It is a testament to the incredible adaptability and resilience of the natural world. The process of metamorphosis allows the butterfly to completely transform itself, adapting to its surroundings and changing its form to ensure its survival.