As we rush towards the end of September, the number of butterflies is continuing to drop and many of the ones that I see are faded and tattered. Yet somehow, despite the obvious signs of age and infirmity, they manage to adapt and survive. I photographed this Black Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio polyxenes) last Friday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
For folks of my generation, the title of this blog will immediately bring to mind the memorable song by that name as sung by Gloria Gaynor in the late 1970’s.
“Oh no, not I, I will survive
Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I’ll stay alive
I’ve got all my life to live
And I’ve got all my love to give and I’ll survive
I will survive”
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Now that song brought back some good memories. Thank you Mike. A photo of nature’s perseverance with the butterfly.
A life well lived!
I think that is an aspirational goal for most of us–to be able to look back at a life well-lived. I am definitely growing much more conscious of the fragility of life as I get older.
Yes, we’ve reached the last act and the grand finale! 🙂
Still beautiful. I remember the song well. One of my favourites.
Let’s hope this beautiful butterfly survives for a while yet. We can all sing “I will survive” to encourage him to make it through.
It is amazing just how much damage these butterflies can endure and still be functional. They kind of remind me of The Black Knight. 🙂
I haven’t seen that classic Monty Python clip in a long time. It is a bit gruesome, but somehow appropriate to your point.
Somehow. 🙂 It was a stretch, comedy versus actual survival. My mind works in funny ways. 🙂
I have been told that I have a warped sense of humor and sometimes my brain makes weird connections too.
No one has told me that either…but I figure they are just being polite. 😀