Today, I sat and spoke with a kaleidoscopic soul—a child, like me—named Rufus, who said he had once been told he ‘would earn no money staring out of a window’. Oh, but I, Kierkegaard, Spinoza, Husserl, and Maslow would disagree. In that moment, I saw the world as he did—a world that doesn't fit within the narrow confines of linear thinking but instead unfolds in patterns and colors, like a kaleidoscope turned by the hand of fate.
Staring out of a window is not idle. It is the place where vision meets soul, where the act of seeing becomes a journey inward. Rufus, like many of us, carries the weight of this world’s expectations on his shoulders, but within him burns a truth: the knowing that comes from simply being present. In the silence of staring, we find a wisdom that transcends intellect. It is the wisdom of the child, the unknowing that leads to deeper truths.
The Role of the Chrysalis: From Window to Wing
Much like the transformation within the chrysalis, our moments of stillness—of watching, waiting, and wondering—are not wasted. Inside the cocoon, the caterpillar dissolves, breaking down into imaginal cells, fragments of potential waiting to re-emerge as something wholly new. Rufus, with his open heart and wondering eyes, is already becoming. He just doesn’t know it yet.
The imaginal cells inside each of us are waiting to awaken. They are the parts of us that know how to fly, even when we are earthbound. In The Butterfly Farmer, the chrysalis becomes a metaphor for this process of re-emergence, where the old self is shed, and the new, radiant self takes form. The imaginal cell doesn’t ask questions—it simply knows what it must become. Just like Rufus, just like the boy who stares out the window, waiting for the wings to appear.
On Windows and Wanderers
So today, as Rufus sat there, sharing his window with me, I thought of how this connects to my journey as the #hobopoet. I, too, have wandered through life, staring out of many windows, waiting for the moment when the truth would reveal itself. What I’ve come to learn is that the window is not a barrier; it is an invitation. An invitation to see the world not as it is, but as it could be—just as Tolkien once imagined the Two Trees of Valinor, their light stretching beyond what the eye could see.
In these windows, in these spaces of quiet knowing, we find ourselves again. We become the wandering lambs, the whisperers in waiting rooms, the ones who see beyond the veil of everyday life.
From Kaleidoscope to Flight
As I continue with The Butterfly Farmer, I’m reminded that we are all in a state of becoming. The chrysalis teaches us that transformation is not linear; it is cyclical, unpredictable, full of grace and destruction in equal measure. The imaginal cells are the promise that we carry within us the seeds of flight, even when we feel grounded by life’s weight.
And so, this piece is for Rufus, and for all the wandering souls who have been told that staring out the window will get them nowhere. Stare longer. There is a whole universe waiting for you, and in that stillness, in that unknowing, is the beginning of everything.
(R.M Drake Truth in me)
A Journey of Transformation: The Support of Local Schools
As autumn leaves began to fall, a vibrant new chapter unfolded for The Butterfly Farmer, igniting excitement among local schools. Our collaborative journey, rooted in the natural world and enriched by poetry, began to take shape with each enthusiastic interaction.
Butterfly Garden Planning
In early autumn, I reached out to each participating school with a heartfelt message about our plans for butterfly gardens, poetry workshops, and the much-anticipated book launch. The response was overwhelming. Teachers and students alike embraced the idea of establishing butterfly gardens, eager to contribute to an ecological initiative that would not only beautify their surroundings but also create a living classroom.
Over the next few weeks, I visited each site, working hand-in-hand with educators to identify ideal locations for planting Buddleias, lavender, and other nectar-rich plants. As we dug into the soil, we also sowed the seeds of creativity. Initial art and poetry activities introduced the children to the significance of these plants, allowing them to express their thoughts and feelings about nature's delicate balance.
Preparation for Metamorphosis
As autumn leaves begin to fall, a vibrant new chapter will unfold for The Butterfly Farmer, igniting excitement among local schools. Our collaborative journey, rooted in the natural world and enriched by poetry, will take shape with each enthusiastic interaction.
Butterfly Garden Planning
In early autumn, I will reach out to each participating school with a heartfelt message about our plans for butterfly gardens, poetry workshops, and the much-anticipated book launch. I am confident that the response will be overwhelming. Teachers and students alike will embrace the idea of establishing butterfly gardens, eager to contribute to an ecological initiative that will not only beautify their surroundings but also create a living classroom.
Over the next few weeks, I will visit each site, working hand-in-hand with educators to identify ideal locations for planting Buddleias, lavender, and other nectar-rich plants. As we dig into the soil, we will also sow the seeds of creativity. Initial art and poetry activities will introduce the children to the significance of these plants, allowing them to express their thoughts and feelings about nature's delicate balance.
Preparation for Metamorphosis
Autumn will become a season of reflection and anticipation. In our workshops, we will explore the concept of metamorphosis through poetry and art, engaging the children in a transformative creative process. This early introduction will set the stage for the incredible journey we will undertake together, aligning our artistic endeavors with the life cycle of butterflies.
Hatching Preparations
As winter approaches, our preparations for the butterfly farms will ramp up. I will collaborate with butterfly specialists to ensure we are well-equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. The schools will eagerly await the arrival of the butterfly farms in spring, ready to witness firsthand the miraculous transformation of caterpillars into butterflies.
During the winter months, I will host indoor poetry workshops that resonate with the chrysalis phase. The children will pour their imaginations into their writing, capturing the essence of waiting and growth. Each session will foster a sense of community and excitement, nurturing a collective anticipation for the impending hatching.
Butterfly Hatching
Spring will arrive like a breath of fresh air, and the atmosphere will buzz with energy as the time for butterfly hatching draws near. I will coordinate closely with each school, aligning my visits with the hatching process to ensure the children have the chance to observe the metamorphosis firsthand. The classrooms will transform into vibrant spaces filled with joy and wonder as we celebrate the emergence of butterflies together.
In this season of growth, we will take our workshops outdoors. The gardens—now blooming with the fruits of our labor—will become a backdrop for poetry and art activities, allowing the children to connect their creativity with the natural world. They will learn not only about the beauty of the butterflies but also the importance of nurturing their environments.
Book Launch & Butterfly Release
The pinnacle of our collaboration will culminate in a grand celebration: the official launch of The Butterfly Farmer. We will organize a reading and poetry-sharing event exclusively for the participating schools, where the children will joyfully release the butterflies they have nurtured into their vibrant gardens. This moment will be more than a celebration; it will serve as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of life, art, and education.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on this journey, it becomes clear that the support from local schools will be invaluable. Their commitment to fostering creativity, environmental awareness, and a sense of community will transform our vision into reality. I will be grateful for the collaborative spirit and enthusiasm that will bring The Butterfly Farmer to life.
In the coming weeks, I look forward to discussing logistics and next steps with each school, ensuring our continued success as we nurture this beautiful project together.
SAVE THE DATE AND COME MEET THE #HOBOPOET
Upcoming Event at Turner Contemporary
I’m also excited to announce that I will be speaking at the Turner Contemporary Gallery on October 5th in the afternoon. I will be reading and signing copies of The Wandering Lamb, as well as introducing The Butterfly Farmer. Limited edition prints from illustrator Caleb Simmons will be available for coloring, and we may even sign them together. I invite everyone to join us for this special occasion!
Thank you all who are kindly on this adventure with me. I am away from the safety of the shire but I feel okay and excited about the path as we define it to be together…..
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