Tick for tack

There seem to be more porcupines than usual this spring.

Some dogs have to learn, every year, to leave the walking pincushions alone.

I suppose it’s not very different from me trying to grow a garden every year. My good intentions get punctured by blistering heat or wet weather or the debate over which flower to plant where. Though I’ve been known to stay out weeding till well past dusk, it is not as easy to plant seeds in the gloaming. This year, I really believe, with a little extra persistence, I could maybe pull it off!

Most often, I have meditated on the ant as the highest example of persistence. What does it take to get them to stop coming into your house? They never quit! And teamwork – once I came upon a horde carrying the carcass of a red squirrel. They weren’t going to give up till they got that chow into the larder! Yes, ants are a purposeful, focussed group, worthy models indeed of how to succeed.

Now they’ve become humanized, through, for instance, movies like “Antz” and all the toys that spawned; they’re no longer the standard for single-mindedness. I’ve become confused concerning just what ants are a good example of: are they still thrifty, provident creatures? Or do they illustrate romance, problem-solving and sheer, blind luck? It’s time for a new icon.

Perhaps we might take a look at the tick, never to be confused with a romantic notion. Now I understand perfectly if you don’t want to, but the fact is, they are persistent little beasties, and they seem to be everywhere this spring. How did they become so successful? We’ve done everything we can think of to wipe them off the face of the earth.

It seems they only have three senses: light, temperature and feeling. That is enough to get them out on a limb. It’s enough to tell them a warm-blooded creature is passing. It’s enough to tell them just the right moment to drop off the tree onto the passing mobile dinner.

Of course, ticks don’t have to worry about the ethics of how they gets their dinner, and I don’t suppose they have spent any amount of time figuring out how the hunt fits into a vision of where they fits in the scheme of things. I’m pretty sure they don’t consider how their hunting style will be interpreted by others. On the other hand, a spectacular miss doesn’t spoil their day. I seriously doubt if they even bask in the glory of past accomplishments. They just go right on keeping on.

This seems an exemplary attitude to take.

Actually, the forsythia, the day lilies and the hollyhocks are doing fine, so if I could get out there and tack up the sweet peas and plant the sunflowers, all would be well. If this all could be done without truly receiving a visit fit from Mr. Tick, I would be content. It’s enough just to consider his accomplishments.