Of some creatures big and small

I may be of a diminutive stature but let it not mislead you. Ooops, watch out, don’t step on me! I’m an ant and, since we’ve just come across each other, I can as well tell you something about me.

See this mountain? I’m not of dizzy heights as the mountain is – but you know what? I’ll climb to the very top of it one day!

Some people, I mean ants, call me obstinate but I get on with it. Well, sometimes I call them prejudiced against ants that just want to have their fair share of independence. I don’t want to, when I reach the ripe old age of an ant, tell my grandkids that I’ve never seen the world as I was busy working. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t bat an eyelid when there’s work to be done. But, gosh, I won’t leave this world without tasting life, and I hope you won’t, either!

I’ve suffered many hardships but, somehow, I’m still alive and happy about the fact I’ve managed not to end up in some bird’s beak (and then down its stomach).

Don’t think I’m irreverent to my superiors. No. But, I swear, I can put my foot down instead of nodding in approval if someone wants to put an extra burden on my shoulder. Like, I wouldn’t carry an apple all the way from that nearby apple tree all by myself. By the way, it’s nearby only from your perspective.

If I’ve been talking too much, just let me know, for I’d hate to seem inconsiderate of other ants - or people, for that matter. Everyone carries a story inside them that's worth sharing.

So, it’s your turn. Tell me about you. Are you down-to-earth or more of a daydreamer? Do you see the best in people (and ants) or are you rather critical? Can you put a brave face even when you’re scared? (I can’t but I never cease to try, anyway). Are you quick-witted?  

Oh, my, I need to be going to my anthill. Listen, I wouldn’t like to leave without your having your fair share of speaking. Let’s meet up tomorrow, shall we? 7 o’clock sharp? Next to that old apple tree? I'll take a day off to walk there. Maybe you don’t believe in friendship between people and ants – but that can always change. I can be as faithful as any of your human friends. Will you give it a go?

Oh, great! Till tomorrow, then. We’ll gather a couple of memories of hanging out together to conjure up later, I’m sure.

Hey, wait! Will you bring some crumbs of home-baked treats next time? Oh, lovely! In exchange I’ll show you round the orchard.

Your task (choose one)

1. Respond to this talkative ant telling him (or her) some things about yourself. Tell / write about your personality and interests. Include parts of your life story (remember - everyone carries a story in them that's worth sharing :)).

2. Choose another creature that is not human (an animal, a plant, a piece of landscape) and let it talk about itself and its life. 

3. The ant said, "I won’t leave this world without tasting life, and I hope you won’t, either!" Write about your dreams and plans for the future. Dream big! :)