The Flight of the Monarch

It all started in California, when I began my life journey. I fluttered my wings, streaking a line of orange through the ripple of dawn lights, as it shined down on me. I was blinded by the bright glow, which lit up the dark blue sky, bringing some happiness into this world. I looked at the city below, and it looked like small swarms of fireflies. But before I knew it, I was swallowed by a black and, inky sensation. The moon was the sun in the night, my only source of light and hope. I know I cannot complete this journey on my own, but I shall continue on my legacy in my death, and pass it on to my descendants. I, the Danaus Plexippus Plexippus, or the Monarch Butterfly, will truthfully grant this omen.

My journey is a trail waiting to be hiked, a mountain waiting to be climbed, and a path that inevitably leads to death. I travelled to Phoenix, Arizona, and settled down for a few days. I lived on the surrounding trees and ate the soft leaves. Trees and water were scarce. I watched a coyote burst open a cactus and water splashed out. I swooped down, down, and down. My antenna caught droplets of shimmering, glittery  water. What I was actually thinking is that this place is too dry for me to settle down.

The next day, when dusk knocked at on my door, I took flight into the darkening sky. I arrived in Utah and saw much. I was satisfied. There were many thriving trees and enough water. Something in my small mind, though, says that I was not cut out for this kind of place. I was impatient to find my home, but I knew this was far too early. I left the next morning.

To Alaska I went! But unbeknownst to me, way before I arrived, a storm awaited my arrival.  My dainty wings proved to be were no match against the strong blows of the howling winds. It felt like a dagger piercing through my mind and numbing my senses to no end.
It all ends here. I collapsed in the soft pine leaves, and waited for death to call my name.

Part Two
I awoke to a new life in the sunshine. I bathed in glorious sunlight. I yawned. Hmm… Is this a… piece of… umm… grass? Looks like it! Oh! Hello, I didn’t see you there. My name is… Well, I dunno, but I call myself … er, Butterglee! It’s a combination of butterfly and glee!

I flew for a very long time. I almost fell asleep! I cannot… do… this…. I stumbled and tripped in the air, flipping through air currents. But suddenly, I remembered my parents and how hard they worked to fulfill this journey. My body trembled as a flash of determination went through me. I flew with bursts of amazing speed. I saw from afar, a forest full of dead, orange leaves. When I got closer, the leaves fluttered and flew! They were… me! The butterflies surrounded me in swarms and I got embraced by the wonderful feeling of home. I felt welcome and… I knew this was what I was looking for. This was my community.

The End

Afterword

The first Monarch Butterfly to start this journey was thinking that not only she, but many other generations of butterflies will finally complete this quest to find their community, their home.

Bonnie Chen is a rising fourth grader at Chestnut Hill Academy. In addition to the 2022 Summer Contest, her work has appeared in the "Friendship" and "Not-So-Ancient History" series of the Youth Review.