~ a vignette ~
I like to read on my lunch hour, outside. Reclining in a beach chair, grounding myself. Bare feet resting upon the silky grass.
Today, a new friend buzzes by, joining me.
She let her presence be known, when out of the corner of my eye, I caught the sight of something dark in my quarter cup glass of remaining orange juice.
Peeking inside I see her floundering and decide against that last gulp of refreshment. She tumbles out as I toss the juice onto the grass, shivering from the icy bath and natural sugar high. For a few seconds she seems to rest in a coma before awakening and attempting to climb up a long, green blade of grass.
Slow and steady wins the race. I wonder if she’s familiar with Aesop’s fables? The grass gently bends under for minimum weight as she continues climbing and grasping. One blade after the other. The crystalized sugar coating shaking loose with each shimmy of her wings.
A few more attempts to fly with no success. But her resilience goes undeterred. One blade of grass at a time. She moves behind me, from the right side to the left. I let her be. Though I track her efforts by the buzzing urge and determination overheard.
Eventually, she zips past my head. Overcoming her struggle. I’m not sure if that enticing sip of OJ was worth it. But watching her experience reminds me of life and the need for perseverance, tenacity, grit.
Like a fly drowning in a glass of orange juice, life’s “workouts” can make us stronger, and propel a deeper appreciation for that next flight. Yes, glory always comes, though it’s often darkest before the dawn.
That, I shall name her.
Blog Photo by Tommes Frites from Pexels
Angel K Will 
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