Chapter 19

Microcosm reflects the macrocosm. If you have problems in coping [with your life], look towards Nature – be humble. You CAN find your answers if you only look – and recognize.

There is a saying “banging your head against the wall”. I feel like my life is that – so many times, that’s all I feel like I’m doing, in trying to get things done, in trying to get through to another human being, in trying to SUCCEED. Bang your head against the wall until it crumbles. Bang your head against the wall until someone on the other side goes Huh, who’s there? Bang your head against the wall until you collapse.

Is that my life? Perhaps, it is.

This weekend, I decided to contemplate the Woodpecker. Until this last year, I’ve never thought much about woodpeckers. Love the bird, laughed at the cartoon, “Woody Woodpecker.” However, Woodpeckers never meant much in my microcosm.

Until recently - there was an old tree on my property. I was aware that it was dying. It grieved me. This tree meant a lot to me. It’s been in my life for a long time.

During the summer, I heard this PECK PECK PECK PECK. Or should I say POUND POUND POUND?I went outside, and looked up towards this tree, and saw a wee black and white bird with a tiny bit of red on his scalp.

It was a woodpecker! He was so energetic, that he almost seemed cheerful.

I was filled with - a giggle. At first, I thought, no no don’t hurt my tree, but then I realized, he was going after the insects that were killing the tree. Therefore, I cheered my little black and white friend on.

A woodpecker has a thick skull. His pounding “his head against the wall” doesn’t hurt him. How do I get “tough” enough, to emulate the woodpecker?

I would be in my room, and I would hear him, from time to time, peck, peck, peck, peck.

Well, he didn’t save that tree. However, my bush, outside my window needs tending – and I saw him there, again, within the month. Made me smile, that.

The woodpecker looks for weaknesses in the wood. He finds the soft spots, and then he pecks his way through.

Maybe that’s the answer. Look for the soft spot in the wall, before I begin pounding my head against it.

The woodpecker also hammers against the wood to announce his presence, and claim his territory. I can’t help thinking of the old cliché “pecking order…” I like the concept of the woodpecker. I think I want to be him.

Nobody pecks on me! (Pick, peck, get it?)