Chrysalis...

This was the chrysalis I found clinging to my basil when I decided the season had passed for it. I found it too late, but put the leaf on the lantern above the other one. I didn't know if it needed the nutrients from the plant, but it seemed so close to coming out of its cocoon - the gorgeous gold bands running through it, the outline of its wings. I feared what the torrential rainfall would have done to it over the past week, but there it was, right where I placed it.

I worry, though, as it seems the Monarchs have been stretching their wings in the garden over the last two weeks or so, if this one is destined to make it to its beautiful butterfly stage. It was so close. It makes me sad and scared because sometimes I wonder if I'll ever make it to my butterfly stage, either.