There was a worm. It was doing being-ness on a warm day. It did not look like it was after a specific task or trying to get to a calendar appointment on time. It did have a direction but was hard to predict what it was really after. Anyway, being a human it wasn’t my concern and my interests were purely limited to watching it move. It moved gracefully on the rock, through the grass, over the moss and where ever. It had a shiny red skin and a rhythmic body movement. It was beautiful.
My mind started exploring the possibilities of how to exploit such a situation. Since I am interested in video filming and photography, it seemed obvious to record this sight and share it on instagram or other channels where almost every image is liked and applauded. It was a perfect opportunity to satisfy my ego for attention. I could get appreciation for video filming skills by capturing and sharing such a unique moment. These days it’s easy to do so. Any ordinary phone camera can produce decent images and videos. The desire to video film the worm grew stronger. My mind quit assessing the real meaning of such an exercise. At the spur of the moment, everything felt right and harmless. I just wanted nice images to share with others and get their attention. I knew that when people would appreciate my skills, it would feel good. It would make me feel capable and special even though the feeling would eventually last momentarily.
With arrogance, I moved forward, and started filming the worm. I had the power of technology, size and reach. Nothing could stop me from using the little worm for my ambition. I felt powerful and more important in front of a seemingly insignificant little creature. I followed it in every way I could. From sides, from top, from front and behind. The worm kept doing its thing without noticing me until I moved too close. I could not give up on this opportunity. I went closer and closer. Details of the worm seemed important. It would also enhance the viewing experience for the viewers. By this time I had lost my natural curiosity towards observing life to marvel the beauty of an amazing creature. All I was after was a nice video recording. The closer the better. I was no more inquisitive about the worms existence on this planet or the purpose of such a life form. It was all about quality image capture.
The worm sensed my aggression immediately. It started moving faster and in random directions. I kept trying to get the best shots. Then the worm stopped and said – “If I would have come this close to you, you would have killed me”. I don’t know worm language, but I assumed how it might have felt.
Nothing is permanent in this world and so will be the fate of this video and the worm and myself. And also the appreciations.