Animalcules and Other Little Objects

Mark Smith, a self-proclaimed "lifelong devotee of life," has had his fair share of pets, having a dog, a cat, white mice, tadpoles, toads, frogs, snakes, a painted turtle and a rabbit. Smith has an enchanting relationship with animalcules and other little subjects that he finds in pond water. Mark Smith is fascinated by life even if it be the smallest representative life. Humans too often neglect that there are other organisms living on Earth. Smith comments, "that there are worlds within worlds nearly everywhere we turn." He loves being able to explore deeper into these worlds. Looking through a microscope, the author embarks on a journey through different environments and ecosystems. Microscopes are Smith's prized possessions being considered everlasting. The activity of peering through a microscope brings Smith back to when he was a boy in his youth, caught up in his enjoyment while the afternoons seemed to just fade by. The animalcules captivate him. The organisms have everything required for life, hearing and swimming like humans. The activities of the animalcules are universal showing their direct connections with humans. By the time the author is done looking at these small objects, his eyes are dulled, with everything looking ragged and dilapidated compared to the worlds found under his microscope. Mark Smith states, "I have trouble explaining my satisfaction with the animalcules." He smiles just thinking of the endless knowledge that he is unable to fully grasp. There is so much life before him in the microscope that he has yet to experience. The excitement is almost more than he can handle. There is so much wonder when it comes to the animalcules and it virtually costs nothing to explore into their world. The questions of life are endless with nature being all around us. Children are able to appreciate nature unlike adults who grow ignorant of the marvels around them.

As a child, time seems to just fly by. Everything is a new world waiting to be explored. As one grows older this excitement lessens with newly acquired knowledge through the years. Everything is not unknown as it once was. Mark Smith recaptures his youth when looking at the animalcules. There is no end to the new life he may find. Questions are always waiting to be answered. Everyone could be as excited for life as the animalcules are for Smith. People need to be more open to their surroundings and take a minute to enjoy nature. There are worlds waiting to be traveled if one is smart enough to know it.