A decent nemesis always shares some element with you; otherwise, beating them doesn't allow any catharsis. Anyone can defeat some random encounter. Defeating yourself, overcoming yourself, growing beyond yourself: that is the purpose of a nemesis.Of course, this doesn't mean that a nemesis isn't also very creepy; usually, they are. Mine is no exception.
The camelback cricket prefers to live in dark, damp spaces. It survives best in basements and garages if it isn't out in the wild living in caves and under rocks. It relies heavily on its sense of touch, as it only comes out at night. The actual body of a camelback is very small, at most only two inches long, which reminds me somehow of a tank, armored and strong. One of its nicknames, the spider cricket, comes from its incredibly long legs--they can be up to four inches in length. As mentioned in a previous post, it has been known to eat its own legs in times of extreme starvation.
When frightened, the camel back cricket jumps toward the stimulus. Given its odd shaped body, and the fact that it can jump so very far--it has been described as an insect "on pogo sticks"--this is usually enough for the attacker to run away screaming (at least in my experience). This then gives the cricket time to run away and hide. The bravado masks what I already know: this is a harmless creature. Fearless and harmless.
So I wonder, then: why am I so afraid of this little bug?What sends me running from the room when I see them, usually yelling, on the verge of tears?
And that, right there, is the answer to my question. The reason I hate this little bugger so much: When a camel back cricket is afraid, it faces its enemies and attacks.
When I am afraid, I run away, crying.
Beth--
ReplyDeleteWow, what a unique way of revealing something personal about yourself. In a very short space, you have described this animal and made a relevant comparison between yourself and the cricket. You have captured its essence and have conveyed your fear in tangible ways. I'm really in admiration of your post! Well done.
--J.
That's a very powerful and compelling realization, one definitely worth meditating on (or writing about, perhaps) more!
ReplyDeleteI love that you chose to write about the insect you fear most. How brave! I would not ever, ever write about a spider. Well, I don't think so, anyway. I also really like the way you reveal so much of, not just yourself, but human character, as well. You say, "A decent nemesis will always share some element with you..." I never would have thought of that. Good insight! On a side note, your description of this horrible creature makes me want to search for a picture. Considering how frightened I am of most insects, though, I think I will just put it out of my mind.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone!
ReplyDeleteAimee, I almost posted a picture, but then decided against it. They are scary! It took me a long time to be able to actually read the articles because I freak out every time I see the pics.