Winter is on its way. The weather is colder and the days are shorter. Rather than slow down with the onset of the bitter season however, I feel more alive every minute.
For as long as I can remember I’ve lived in the same place, but all that is changing. I’m leaving and never coming back. I don’t know where I’m heading, but I feel the urge to move, it is the purpose of my life. The weight of countless generations is urging me on.
My journey takes me through landscapes I don’t recognise. The inhabitants I pass by are strange. Some are threatening, but it doesn’t bother me. I’m on a mission and nothing can make me turn back.
A rocky coastline comes into view, the water is shallow. Although I don’t recognise it, it feels familiar. I’m sure I’ve been here before. I realise I’ve reached my destination and I have one goal in mind.
A female drifts by. I change the texture of my skin and transform my colours into a remarkable display of flashing blue lights. She seems impressed but continues to float away. Damn. There are so many males here. They must outnumber the females at least ten to one. This isn’t going to be easy.
Humans in bizarre black suits and breathing equipment, circle above me muttering something about “giant cuttlefish” and “amazing mating displays”. I don’t care. They pose no immediate threat to me.
Another female appears between the rocks. This time I raise my skin into a series of pinnacles that cover my body. I change colours so that black and white stripes pulse and mesmerise anyone who cares to look. She’s keen and heads in my direction, but another male swoops in. I attack and use my eight muscular arms to conquer him. As he swims off defeated, I turn back to the female, only to find that a minuscule male has snuck in and stolen my prize. I’m furious, but it’s too late. I drift away beaten.
My genes must be passed on to the next generation of giants. I search for another female and find one just around the corner. I approach her, my skin flashing lights the colour of the rainbow, and my shape morphed beyond recognition. I’m awesome and she knows it. We embrace intertwining our arms. It’s a beautiful, breath taking moment that’s over as soon as it begins. We part never to see each other again. The bobbing humans seemed thrilled.
I’m at peace with myself now. I’ve reached the ultimate goal. I feel tired. I know I’m beginning to fade. Other males gather around me looking similarly unhealthy yet content. We reminisce about the past, and philosophise about the future. Someone mentions that humans are building a machine that will change our world and kill our children. It’s heartbreaking but I’m too tired to act.
I hope for the best. The light fades. In an instant I am no longer.
Hi! I think you are not using this blog anymore, last post is from 2009, but if you read that I want you to know that you did a great job, stories are amazing, interesting and very well written! 🙂
Thanks so much.
I have let this blog slide unfortunately [although, you are more than welcome to contribute!]
New pieces are always welcome.
Perhaps you will be the initiator of a renaissance?…