Humans Are Excellent Mayflies

[LEGAL USE OF THIS PHOTO LICENSED AND SECURED VIA DREAMSTIME - October 2015 -- © Tweezie94 | Dreamstime.com - Mayfly Photo]

As I watched a Doctor Who episode this weekend, I was impacted by the analogy that humans are really mayflies by comparison to immortal beings, such as Timelords. That’s a profound concept, when you think about it, and it made me ponder the concept of immortality.

For those of you who aren’t aware (and why would you be?), mayflies are insects that live really short life spans. Generally, once they’ve hatched from their embryonic stage as adults, they may live for as briefly as twenty-four hours while they’re in their subimago stage. (Never mind about subimago stage…it’s all just wibbly-wobbly-sciencey-whyencey stuff.)

But back to the analogy at hand. Would I really want to be immortal, like a Timelord or one of the vampires in my Sunset Vampire series?

In truth, it sounds absolutely tantalizing. Life already seems so brief, especially as I grow older. [My perception of time passes more quickly, too, but we’re not going there right now. Stay on topic!] However, there are so many layers to the concept of immortality, especially if I were the only one who was immortal. Immediately, I’m struck by the notion of being left alone as those around me lived their normal life spans and then died. You see, I have no desire to outlive the loved ones in my life. I’ve already outlived a number of loved ones, even those younger than myself, so I know how it feels to be left behind. Wait…or am I leaving them behind?

The point is that when it comes to people who I love dying before me, I’m against the idea. Part of that is that, basically, I’m a coward. Again, I’ve done it already, and it sucks. In that way, I already have practical experience with it.

As I’m typing this post, I’m glancing down at my kitty, Tabby, who’s sleeping beneath my desk, and I realize that (in all likelihood…spoilers!) she’s going to precede me in death. I’m feeling really sad about that realization. [However, just in case I precede her, I’ve made arrangements for her good care and for a loved one to adopt her.]

Gawd, this became such a maudlin blog post all of the sudden.

Aw, hell, if you wanted to only read a happy-go-lucky blog, you’re already reading in the wrong place. If so, immediately stop reading and Google the topic: “Happy blogs”.

*pausing*

What? You’re still here? Oh, well, then you know how I can get and you’re obviously happy spending time with me, maudlin or not. I like that about you.

Let’s proceed.

Have you given any thought to what it would be like to be immortal? Would you want to be immortal?

Okay, so there’s this whole digression of topic that goes from immortality to something more, but then, that’s a religious sort of thing and I’m not a big fan.

You ask, “Not a big fan? Of what?”

I reply, “Yes. That’s it exactly.”

Naturally, you press, “Yes, but to what?”

To which I reply, “Precisely. Let’s move on.”

Do you have your Halloween costume ready? Mine is ready to go and it fits perfectly! I can’t wait to post photos of me in my outfit. You only have to wait until Thursday.

In the meantime, please be sure to share your Halloween costume with me by tagging me in any photos on Facebook or Twitter. I can’t wait to see what you look like!

Oh, and be sure to tell me if you’d want to be immortal or not.

Until later, enjoy life; be kind to those around you, and Happy Reading! Peace.