The most visible changes that a butterfly undergoes happen out of sight.

The third stage of metamorphosis—the process of changing shape—is the chrysalis. After eating its fill of leaves, the caterpillar is completely tucked away inside the cocoon. Then begins the actual transformation. Tissue, organs and limbs very quickly become new parts of the butterfly that is forming.

And of course, we all know what happens next.

A completely new and reformed creature emerges from the cocoon. Different shape. New colors.

And now—it can fly.

Something that was bound to the earth just days before, can now spread its wings and fly.

If that’s not a miracle, I don’t know what is.

Photography KT Merry