The Toad, the Turtle and the Snake

Hmmm, would you think itstrange if I identify with these belittled creatures?

I know that I amsupposed to aspire to be a beautiful, flight-gifted creature like a bird orbutterfly or dragonfly. These elegant creatures represent freedom and grace. I doquite admire them for that reason among others.

But truthfully, there are days when I identify more with some of the less inspirational creatures.

For example, the lowly American Toad at the head of this post.I am north of 60 years old and showing more than a few warts, literally andfiguratively, as I age. I wear these warts like a badge of honour. It is who Iam for better or for worse. Take it orleave it is becoming one my fondest expressions.

Modern society tells us through various means that we should be constantly in motion. If you are not moving ahead, you are falling behind. But I am no longer concerned with keeping up with the fast movers. Sitting on my haunches contemplating life and doing my own thing, which often means going sideways instead of forward, is my modus operandi now.

Turtles are forever saddledwith the label of being slow-moving creatures, although this only applies to theirmobility on land. They are in fact quite agile creatures when in their natural elementbe it marsh, pond or lake.

I feel much the same about myself. I can get no traction in the technology realm where I progress at turtle pace at the best of times. I am a thinker and an analyzer which requires me to spend long periods of time in quiet contemplation. But in my chosen modes of expression I glide effortlessly like a turtle beneath the water’s surface.

And yes, sometimes I do choose to retreat into my shell. This is considered ungracious in many circles. But I often do my best work in these periods of retreat.

Snakes have gotten badpress from the very beginning in the Garden of Eden. Many cannot grasp thatthere was a metaphor involved in that story in which the serpent got cast inthe role of bad guy. I have been cast in a few unfavourable roles over theyears which have had a tendency to stick. But I am more concerned withauthenticity than publicity.

There is also the snake in the grass expression whichdenotes treachery and deceit. I do now and then adopt what polite societyconsiders a subversive position which might earn me that tag. It does notparticularly bother me. I would rather be true to myself and disliked than actout a role for the sake of a good reputation.

So I willingly take onthe metaphors of the toad and its warts, the turtle with its plodding pace, andthe snake in the grass. I have moments when I am liked and moments when Iannoy. I am equally proud of both.

I am who I am andunapologetically so. If that bothers you, my response is: Your problem. Not mine.

~ NowAvailable Online from Amazon, Chapters Indigo or Barnes & Noble: HuntingMuskie, Rites of Passage – Stories by Michael Robert Dyet

~ Michael Robert Dyet is alsothe author of Until the Deep Water Stills – An Internet-enhanced Novel whichwas a double winner in the Reader Views Literary Awards 2009. Visit Michael’swebsite at www.mdyetmetaphor.com or the novel online companion at www.mdyetmetaphor.com/blog .

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