Wednesday’s Bumper Sticker
Rewind
Sometimes, someone mentioned something that I did or said, and I respond, quite intelligently, “What? I did?” Then I’m required to think back, struggling through the murkiness of memory to determine if they were right. What’s weird is how it sometimes feels like I’m rewinding a tape, going backwards in my head until the moment springs up and provides me with the Eureka moment.
Happened a few nights ago when someone said that I’d mentioned a book and the movie made from the book. After rewinding, I came across the point when I’d mentioned Freakonomics to him.
Be
To the left of the back door onto the patio is a black widow’s residence. She builds her web every night.
To the left of the back door, leaning against the wall on the patio, is our broom. Every morning, I take the broom and knock down the black widow’s web.
Last night, I went out to call a cat. Turning on the light, I saw the black widow feasting on an insect in her web.
I thought about knocking the web down, but I reconsidered. Who am I to insert myself into this process that is the foundation of nature?
I fear the black widow and her bite. I doubt she thinks about me. Regardless, this is part of our life cycle. I can’t let fear of her direct my actions. No, I’m not comfortable with it, but should my comfort decide my actions?
I let her web be.
Michael Seidel, writer 