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This Ancient persimmon tree has coexisted with the dense vine choking it since I can remember.  It stands in front of our favorite rental cottage on Yale Avenue in Cape May Point.  

For about two hours in September 2010, it was host to a migratory “monarch roost” – covered with thousands of silent, fluttering butterflies.  The street was quickly filled with khaki-clad entomologists armed with walkie-talkies and cameras that looked like bazookas.  

As I began to recreate the sight in a painting, the ripe fruits and shimmering foliage seemed exciting enough - no monarchs needed.