A Creature for You by Harcourt Tendhall
14 October 2020 { Creative Non-fiction }
Please allow me to introduce myself. I’m the one who’s there when you least expect me to be and I’ll often let you down, or so you may think. But don’t give up on me; that would be folly. I have no ability to affect you, infect you, or cause you to be anything but what you are, although you might think differently.
As you learn from being a child through to and throughout adulthood, I can be your constant companion, but one of many. Some of those companions may fall by the wayside, but hopefully not me. At some point, you will be asked about me. How you answer, whether to those who ask or only to yourself, will shape you and your future.
I am not Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or any religion. Their teachings may reference me, and you might suppose I must have shaped many religious philosophies. I regret to inform you, however, that I have been ignored during countless acts or deeds performed in the name of religion.
I’ve been there throughout history, since humans became aware that there are things other than material objects. I’ve been by the side of kings and paupers alike, as they fought battles, or ploughed the fields, or danced into the night. I’m always there for the kill, for whatever reason, holding the hands of some, whilst others have scorned me. One thing’s for sure; you only have to look, to feel, to listen, and you’ll know I am with you.
You will find me everywhere, and you cannot escape me, only ignore me, but I might nag you if you do. I cannot punish you – that is a power only you have. You may see me in others, and I can only hope that if you do, you see me as a positive.
There are those who believe that without me, they are stronger. But let me tell you, they will wither and die as would a tree in a dessert. Those who embrace me will be stronger. Being with me, using me, they will go forward, never looking back, or needing to. They will take comfort in the knowledge that what they leave behind is better than when they arrived.
I am positive, never negative. I am neither malevolent nor benevolent. I give you nothing, and I take nothing from you, although I may affect your view of your world and other creatures within it. I may also affect their view of you, which might come as a shock, or not.
Not all creatures like you are even aware of me, although they may regret not being cognisant, not hearing me. Mind you, if they are never aware of me, then regret doesn’t come into it. Eventually, some will look back and, when they do, they may hear me. It will be far too late by then, and they will die tortured and tormented by their memories.
I cannot change that which has gone before, irrespective of how you feel about it. All I can do is be there with you now and always. Ever ready for when you want to hear and feel me. I’m all about the here and now but may prick you when you reflect on your past.
What kind of creature am I? You can surely guess?
I suppose I must tell you; I am no more than:
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A Creature of Conscience.
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