Wednesday, July 22, 2009

The Grasshopper

I watched a grasshopper die this morning. Laying on its side, its body heaving, struggling to breathe. Its hind legs moving erratically, yet with purpose. It seemed to have no control over them. I knelt down to view the drama.
Helpless to assist I simply left it in the shade. With the tip of my finger I stroked its long and graceful antennae, which seemed to calm it. Its breathing slowed. The grasshopper laid still for a moment, then began to struggle as if to regain some dignity now made impossible by the loss of control over its huge hind legs. Breathing heavily again and rolled on to its side, it battled for life. An enormous battle on a tiny scale, but the lust for life no smaller than any human. I pondered Gods desire for this grasshopper and felt sad that there was nothing I could do. I left it to die in peace.
Later after the grasshopper was long dead, I placed it under a nearby tree, in the dirt and leaves. Ants will probably carefully dismantle him and carry off the parts. Returning it to the earth from which God made it.

SB