Springling Leaving Home

“Springling Leaving Home” catches that moment in time when Milkweed plants release their seeds to the wind. As a naturalist, I understand the importance of this ritual to the health of our world and the propagation of food and shelter for butterflies and other species.

As a mother I identify with the child of mine who left home and, like the seeds, spread far along the currents of the wind, and finally planted himself in his own time. Today he is nurturing his own family. The image captures the beautiful pod-homes created by the milkweed where the seeds grow to readiness. Tenderly, the two halves part and open to release their bounty forming billows of cloudy tendrils. What a structure, such perfection, both visually and scientifically.