five butterflies with frame

My boss has a collection of dead butterflies of China in her office. I first thought it was quite kitschy but then realized that it must remind her of summers at home. If I had to frame my Russian summers myself, it would be a collection of weeds and invasive plants: shepherd’s purse, burdock, cornflower, ribwort, snapdragon, bird vetch and the very first sign of spring — coltsfoot, which in Russia bears the name of “mother-and-stepmother”, as one side of its leaf is white and fuzzy and the other one is glossy green. Always looking down at my feet and never big friends with the butterflies.