These bugs are way too happy for their own good. Not only taking the shape of my least favorite bug, the grasshopper, they shrink themselves to become masters of hide and seek. Their inky bodies camouflage flawlessly into the shadows beneath a bush or inside the garage. Each crunchy creature also must have the ability to shrink their size. Squeezing into cracks and crannies in walls, the cricket even puts the cockroach to shame. Once hiding within thirty feet of my presence, the beast begins to sing its wretched, repetitive tune. Echoing in my ears, magnified by the silence between chirps, the song rattles in my head. They seem to enjoy the fact that I stay up late doing schoolwork, relishing in the torment they bestow upon me.
Forget writing, forget studying and solving problems, forget sleeping, because I am irritated. Each shrill note pierces my skull, drumming inside my head as though pressuring my brain. "Find me," it taunts, "if you can." Deciding that it is no use to continue ignoring this foe, I step outside and begin to listen. Concentrating becomes isolated, like a special filter is funneling only the vibrato-filled song into my mind. Eyes wide and furious, I hunt, following the gnawing chirp. Listening with ears attuned only to the shriek, I creep so slowly, so focused my muscles ache with the strain.
Zoning in on a tiny area, suddenly repulsed by the thought of cricket skin brushing my fingertips, I seize a sandal from the step. I can hear it. I know it’s only a few inches away. Now, the battle begins as my adversary finally quiets, sensing my approach. I freeze in mid-step, an urge to scream and lunge clawing at me. The chirp continues, beckoning, taunting. A lightning quick swipe of my hand overturns a sneaker. The joyful song stops. The panicked nuisance hops pitifully against the wall and falls to the floor. An ear-splitting smack sickens the air, and then blissful silence pours into the night.
As I diligently head back to my desk, ready to finish my tasks, I can’t help but think of that poor soul quivering in that corner. The tiny body that only wanted to share its song with the world, unjustly silenced by a being who never took the time to see how wonderful and joyous it actually was. Nothing should ever be taken at first glance with a closed mind; only through a deep understanding does one truly find the beauty that life can bestow.
