A tiny worm
is born from a tiny egg in the soil. It is made up almost entirely of water. It
needs water, sufficient moisture to survive, else it could simply dry up in the
heat or sun. Its on its own as soon as it is born. It _has_ to find its
own way to survive and thrive in this world and be ready to itself become a
parent in about six weeks. There are no guarantees of any safety or security.
At any instant, it could be eaten by an early bird, or even a late bird. It could
be eaten by another animal or insect. It could be crushed or squashed by
someone walking by or shredded by a lawn mower, the plough of farmer or truck or
a digger. It could be plucked out of the ground, pierced by a hook and drowned
in the water by a fisherman trying to catch a fish.
The worm has
no minimum assured basic nutrition, food ration, protective care and nurturing safe
environment, no loving parents, or friends. There is no healthcare, pension,
safe retirement villages to enjoy the last days of its life. It has no rights
enshrined in any society of its peers or outside of that.
I don’t think
there has been any worm that has complained, expressed unhappiness at its lot
in life and become depressed. I don’t think any worm to date has felt entitled
and demanded from others what it feels is its ‘birthright’ or fundamental
rights. Yet, it goes on living, enjoying life unless it is hurt by someone or
something. Even then, it does not seek or demand anything from anyone else. It turns
perhaps, on its own. By itself, it tries to resist, fight or struggle to free
itself from its tormentor. It does the best it can. It is a life well lived no
matter how long or short.
I am simply
awed by the worm.
Copyright ©
Kannan Narayanamurthy 2022
All rights
reserved
I deliberately chose the worm, as one of the lowest forms of animal life, in terms of its capabilities to perform or appreciate higher experiences.
ReplyDeleteLet's substitute the worm with progressively more and more capable animal life forms, all way, to the ones closest to humans (we could each think of a different species as the one just one step down from humans). Surely one would agree that many of them can and exhibit higher degrees of capabilities and feelings like humans - nurture and care for their young, expressions of love, understanding language, even human languages, loyalty etc. Yet, none of them express an attitude of entitlement, much like the earthworm. They too just do the best they can, do not demand others give them what they feel is their birthright. If they get something they take it and even reciprocate, but if not they count only on personal effort.
In my experience, only humans feel entitled and create systems to impose such on all others - both human and non-human. That is the real purpose of my piece, not for a moment did I think that a worm will understand or appreciate my salute.. ๐