A Bug's Life

Being on night shift, I have the auspicious pleasure of being awake when the majority of the others are sleeping. When I am at work, this is not such an issue. However, on my "days" off I find myself sitting up alone, for most of the night. Unable to sleep, unable to do much of anything, for there really is nothing to do in Spring, TX after 2am. So I watch movies, or write, or do homework.

Tonight, I sat on the porch and read a book.

While doing so, I noticed a thumbnail sized beetle or crustacean creeping toward the front door of the house. For whatever reason, the insect became upended, and was struggling on its back. I became engrossed with its battle to right itself.

For ten minutes, this creature flailed, and God help me, I didn't do anything but watch. In my defense, I have righted countless insects, before.

After about two more minutes, the beetle stopped moving, altogether.

This begs the question: What cognitive processes were transpiring in its bug brain during the struggle?

God gave man the power of emotion. The trait is evident in many lower creatures as well. The rest of the primates, canines, felines, equines, and even the swines. Is it really farfetched to believe that even the simplest of creatures have the cognitive function of emotional response?

Imagine being the insect, in the last moments of its life.

Imagine the last moments of your life, perhaps as you struggle to make it to the surface of the water before drowning, or during strangulation.

I have never claimed to be senitmental to arthropods, but taking these thoughts into account, one might feel more empowered to right a few more bugs.

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On a related note, my second cousin died tragically by an accidental hanging. He was eleven years old. Please, take care and watch out for your little ones. They may think they are being funny, or that it's just a game, but they don't yet understand.

Be well.