Venture 2 | Melissa Erickson

It was hot. Not as beastly as some days, but still hot nonetheless. Beauty was everywhere, and we were to spend a rare moment of appreciation for the exquisiteness surrounding us. It truly was breathtaking. I walked along the pebbled pathway and found a small, secluded area under the shade of a leafy tree. It was cooler under there, and I sat down to observe the nature around me. Birds chirped, bushes rustled, mountains towered; it was incredible. A small buzzing filled my ear. Under the mindset of admiring all of Mother Nature’s children, the small buzzing in my ear was like a masterpiece for me. I listened for a moment, and gave the small fly a chance to sing its melody before gently swatting it away. Seconds later, it came back. Not yet annoyed, I kindly guided it away. I again tried to focus until the little demon came back a split moment later. He landed on my wrist, and began the long climb up my arm. He was tiny, and his microscopic legs tickled my skin as he maneuvered his way across it.

Looking closely, I could see his eyes; giant compared to the rest of him proportionately, anyway. His tiny wings fluttered as he gave up on his hike, and instead flew up to my shoulder. Agitated now, I flicked him away, only to have him return yet again. More violent this time, I angrily swatted at him, hoping to send the subtle message: “Leave me alone dangit! Don’t you understand that I’m trying to find an appreciation for nature?! Go away! I hate you!”

He seemed to understand for a fraction of a minute; but only that. Again he returned, now the only purpose in his short, measly little life to annoy the hell out of me. Not only that, but within his last departure, he rounded up all of his other buzzing little friends who came to crawl in my ear, across my forehead, and down my arms. This was ridiculous. The buzzing that was once harmonic now morphed into an obnoxious roar. Each miniature insect had looked very similar to the fly I had become acquainted with in the beginning. Small round bodies, tiny skinny legs, buzzing wings, and giant eyes, they all swarmed around me, distracting me from my purpose of enjoying the wonders around me.

Finally, it was time to go. With once happy, turned homicidal thoughts, I set out down the pebbled path lined with bushes, flowers, and trees. Our task was to appreciate nature. It had been a very productive experience.