The Fly

A fly has adopted me. I don't know for how long because I don't know        
how long flies live.  Clinging, it perches itself on my shoulder while        
I work and annoys me when I'm outside trying to write. I think it wants        
to go back inside where it's safe from the beaks and tongues of insects.        
       
Because I don't have the heart to kill it I comply. So here we are; at        
my desk, me and the fly. It disappears at times so I assume it takes a break.        
Sometimes I'll put a drop of my smoothie out for it to drink; or, I'll sneak        
sugar for its treat.  Its diligent persistence has inspired me to think.        
       
I wonder what this is all about; this tiny fly so trusting on my shirt not        
wanting me  to carry it out as I have so often experienced with others.          
I realize I know nothing about flies or their purpose in our lives.  I decide        
to find out; the fly lands on the keyboard, unfazed by my typing hands.        
       
I am in awe of its trust of me, who could undoubtedly end its life. I like        
to think that somewhere in its bloodline all the ancestors I've ever saved        
from an indoor death have survived in its tiny psyche, providing an innate        
sense of safety in my presence.  I hope spiders prove the same philosophy.        
       
It watches me as I read about the importance of its message.  Maybe        
watching for that "Aha!" moment so it will know its job is finished and can        
get back to being a fly. After all, it can't be much fun for a fly to spend time        
with a slow human when there are so many fly things that a fly could do.        
       
We are locked in a gaze, the fly and me.  It twitches its wings; rubs its        
hind legs anxiously.  This tiny homeless creature despised  by humans;        
eschewed of material possessions; risking its life to deliver a message        
that more often than not never reaches the recipient before its death.        
       
I know now, and nod. It flies back into all that remains of its small Universe.        
This fragile creation; this tiny speck of nature; this true disciple of Jesus.        
       
~