Yesterday I saw something which stuck in my mind. Something small, easy for most people to shrug off. Here's the story: my co-worker Liz called me outside of our building to look at a beautiful, large dragonfly on the sidewalk. I was surprised that he didn't take flight when I got close to him, but looking closer I saw that he was missing a couple of legs. This little creature, one of nature's most exceptional designs, had been reduced to a flightless, struggling collection of wings, legs, torso, and two very large eyes. It sickened me to watch this aerodynamic master of the skies get blown about by gusts of wind, scrambling with his working legs to regain composure, a sense of urgency and hopelessness to his every move. And I was the mute, giant spectator, making it all that much worse. I don't imagine they can regenerate limbs, so half of me thought that maybe I ought to do a "mercy killing," delivering a quick end to the struggle. Another part thought that I should leave it up to nature...
Torn and feeling worthless, we moved him a little bit out of the wind and finally left the poor thing, going back inside to our computers, internet, fluorescent lighting, and air conditioners to re-enter what is known by most as "the real world."
FACT: It is a cruel world most of the time.
My scooter date for tonight canceled.