I wiped the sleep from my stinger (mosquitoes don't get sleep in their eyes) and looked at my watch. It was 6 pm. and the sun was setting. We also don't like sun. I emerged from my bed in the bushes on the east side of the church and stretched my proboscis toward the sky. A scent of smoke and animal flesh pierced my piercer. Smoke I don't like, but animal flesh... mmm!!! My wings were newly formed, and I felt like giving them a workout.  |
| Cough! Cough! This is not a place for someone with a sensitive nose. |
I lifted into the air and crossed over the roof to the west side of the church to investigate the sounds and smells. There arising from the smoke was the source of my wake up call. Four men(why is it always men?) were laying burgers and brats on the grill. It looked like a man's place so I decided to buzz elsewhere rather than making one of them the spring's first victim. Oh, let me introduce myself. I am a gifted and talented mosquito. As you may remember, it has been a dry spring and I, Amos Queeto, have been the first to hatch. I have always been a quick study. Even as a larva, I was voted most likely to pester. So, here I am with hundreds of humans emerging from their winter layers and I, Amos, the only mosquito in town. The rest of my brethren are still working their way out of the breeding swamps. Ooh la la! Who shall I choose as the lucky first piercee?? I realized that this was not a decision to be taken lightly and thusly set about my search at the parish picnic of St. Joan of Arc Church on May 21, 2000.
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| I wonder what he is looking for? But he is just too young and innocent. |
I came upon a group of children blowing bubbles and getting dirty. This truly is an event for children, with many nearly stepping on me. I shall have to be careful.
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| The line never ended at the AstroJump! |
Right next to the bubbles was a large yellow contraption with children bouncing up and down inside of it. The children would make fine first victims, but the big yellow face on top frightened me. I will move on.
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| The animals were a big hit this year! |
I sensed something even tastier than human flesh, the farmbred flesh of four legged critters. In fact, next to birds, farm animals are my personal favorite. A gentlemen farmer named Rick had brought bunnies, goats, chickens, pigs, and the human children that naturally flock around such a display. I was about to take the first "spring sting" when a girl holding a baby goat gave such a sad look, I decided I would find someone who would be proud of being the first to itch.  |
| Oh would he jump if I popped that balloon! |
Inside the gym were two tables of food and many, many people. I was particularily drawn to a funny looking man who had children constantly at attention. Oh, it is getting very difficult to decide who to draw the springs first blood from.
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| Cyril Paul's band kept it lively! |
Very happy crazy go nuts music was playing in the gym. Kids and grownups were dancing. A very energetic man in colorful headgear was leading the band. These people were really enjoying themselves. I started to feel a twinge of guilt for considering them for dinner. There was face painting, hair/bead braiding and plain good old-fashioned fun. I was having second thoughts about my role in life. Who am I to spoil such a party? I needed to talk to someone wise. |
| I wonder if my mom will recognize me! |
I asked to be directed to a wise person, a mosquito counselor of sorts. The man I was referred to was dressed in shorts, tee shirt, and a baseball cap. He did not look like someone who could help me solve my moral dilemna. Everyone called him Father. He seemed trustworthy. So, I asked, "Father, I feel naturally called to do my duty and be a true mosquito, yet these people all seem to be having such fun. I cannot spoil that. What should I do?"
The wise Father paused for a moment and said, "First of all, Amos, we welcome you wherever you are on your journey. Secondly, do not be afraid of change. Change is inevitable, growth is optional. And finally, Amos, it is a moot point. You are a male mosquito!!"
