The Early Bird Catches the Worm

Thank you Kendall Defoe for submitting a prompt into the 'Set Me a Challenge' post. Let me know what you think of my first attempt!

Nestled in the heart of a tranquil, sun-drenched meadow, I've spent my days as a humble worm. Amidst the bustling world around me, where life thrives and activities abound, my existence often remains concealed beneath the earth's surface, far from the splendour of daylight. This is the life I've been compelled to lead, thanks to our feathered foes—those ominous cawing and chirping creatures that cast their shadows over us before we've even had a chance to open our eyes.

It would be an easy battle if we could remain within our subterranean sanctuaries, but those bothersome creatures know our limits all too well. The moment the first raindrop soaks the land, the sound of their wings slicing through the wind signals their arrival as they soar over our hideouts.

We cling to the precious air within our lungs for as long as possible, but ultimately, we must admit defeat. In fear, we squirm out of our soaked abodes, only to be met by piercing, beady eyes.

The elders always tried to console us whenever a friend got plucked from their home, explaining that it's all part of "the circle of life," and that our tragic routine had inspired others beyond our species. At first, I reacted with incredulity, wondering what sadistic creatures could gain from our suffering. But, as I grew older, I began to understand.

I didn't hear the phrase "the early bird catches the worm" until I was nearly five years old. I was minding my own business, burrowing into the soft, supple soil when a boisterous human plucked me from the ground and pinched me between his thumb and forefinger. As he dangled me above his open mouth, his friends cheered him on in his sacrifice. I whispered my goodbyes, convinced that my time had come. Thankfully, I was mistaken. The people around him started booing as he lowered his arm and puckered his lips, fervently reciting the words, "the early bird catches the worm," before flinging me across the green.

I wriggled frantically back to my home, where I regaled the tale to the elders. They assured me that although I might not fully grasp the meaning of those words in that moment, with time, I would.

Initially, I believed it was a saying relevant only to the robins, a simple truth of survival. Yet, as time passed, I grew to appreciate its significance when uttered by a human. It wasn't just a reminder to wake up early; it symbolized the importance of diligence, preparation, and seizing the moment.

The more I delved into the meaning of the saying, the more it evolved. It became a metaphor for life itself, reminding us that timing and readiness are pivotal elements in achieving our goals. People interpreted it as a call to action, encouraging them to be early risers not just in the literal sense but in their pursuit of ambitions, dreams, and aspirations.

Now, as I approach my final years, I finally grasp what the elders meant when they said our struggles inspired others. It's a thought that has brought me profound solace and one I reflect upon every time I am forced to say goodbye to another friend.

I find comfort in knowing that our hardships have not gone unnoticed but have instead served as inspiration for both humans and creatures alike. I may be a small and inconspicuous being, but my existence has contributed to a timeless lesson that resonates across species. The circle of life may be demanding, but it has left an enduring mark on the world.

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If you are curious to see what kind of content I publish, check out some of my latest stories below:

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