7.7.14

Moth Circus



Alone at night, but for the moths, who cascade through my open bedroom windows. I welcome them in and watch them for a while, as they flutter around like a crazy miniature circus.


Eventually, they settle on the glowing, bare plaster walls. Some cast disfigured shadows, like tiny monsters. A hooded vampire with twitching tentacles.




Some are masters of disguise and blend in where they can.



Others cluster round my lamp, a single artificial light in the dense country darkness.


 Raggedy dancers, spreading their dresses.


The large, ungainly  Elephant Moth, whirring and thumping on my pillow. So clumsy on foot, so elegant when air borne.


Skinny, gallumphing daddy long legs, careering about like out of control trick ponies.


The sweet plume moth, who's prettier common name is 'Angel Moth', dressed in downy feathers and stretching her elegant legs.


Sometimes, they come to me.


I leave the windows open and turn off the lamp. By morning, they are all gone and the walls are bare.



15 comments:

Gill Edwards said...

moths are beautiful things but im sorry i cant stand the way they fly at you flapping away madly, makes my skin crawl

Charlotte said...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EESgk34o19o&feature=kp

Still one of my all time Tull songs.
Made think of this, Oxford (where I used to play this all the time) and wonderful creatures.

The Dutchess said...

Loved this post..:-)

greets T.D

Shrimpton and Perfect said...

Oh Gretel that Angel moth is so beautiful, I have never seen anything like it. A snow princess of the moth world, ethereal and delicate.

jean x

Lin said...

What a great idea! Except I think I would sorta get creeped out if I had too many come indoors. And the cats....they would have a field day.

Caroline B said...

Beautiful piece of writing Gretel. Whilst I appreciate the wonder of moths, I do wish they wouldn't head straight for your face when they are blundering about the room!

Vintage Jane said...

What a beautifully descriptive piece of writing ... I shall look at moths quite differently now ...
M x

Twiglet said...

Lovely post Gretel but rather you than me. They are beautiful but not in my bedroom. Hope all Ok with you. x Jo

Frances said...

Gretel, it was fun to see your reporting of that special time of night, just before final light's out, when the moths do their dance.

I do hope that those moths aren't casing the joint planning to lay eggs that will wreck havoc with your felting wool. Every time I see a moth has somehow gotten past my window screens at night, I really do try to be a bit of a bouncer and encourage the ones with those beautiful wings to fly right back outside again.

Wish I could also escort the random mosquitoes outside before light's out. I'm now hoping that my windowsill pot of basil (mosquito deterrent so I've heard) will dicourage those skeeters who seem to hunger for me.

Lots of love to you. xo

jerilanders said...

I can never decide whether to be creeped out by the moths and millers that gather around the lamp light, or simply enjoy their individuality. The way you describe them here, they are quite beautiful in a buggy sort of way.

Ravenroot Forest Farm said...

I read a poetic story long ago about moths closing in around the mosquito netting of someone in a very isolated location. This reminded me of that.
:)

Jill said...

Love the moths Gretel. Follow you on Facebook but can't comment on there, but you are an inspiration. You have come so far.

the woolly dog said...

Such a poignant piece of writing Gretel, I've never seen an angel moth before, I think he's beautiful. Thinking of you, take care. xx

Acornmoon said...

Its a brave woman who can enjoy the fluttering of moths around her lampshades. I hope they don't lay their eggs on your needle felting, I am sure they would love that wool.

Laura T. said...

I just love moths! I think they are unappreciated next to butterflies! I think they are beautiful & I do love when they blend with their surroundings or how some look like they have eyes & faces on them to scare off predators!