The Side You See

If you look at a trout from overhead you may not even be able to see him. The finely tuned coloration causes him to merge seamlessly with the reflections of the water and the stones and sands on the bottom of the river.

If you look at him from the side which is a most difficult thing to do unless you are a denizen of the river and can swim parallel to the crafty fellow, you will see brilliant colors shapes and textures.

Slide for a moment underneath this well-designed aquanaut and there is little more than the flat, dull-white to ivory coloration of the belly, unflattering to say the least. Further, there is no protection from predatory observation which has the effect of a diminished life cycle.

Why the fascination with the trout’s color, attractiveness, and vulnerability, just this: Are we not much the same as the lovely trout?  From overlords and higher-ups who look down on me, there is little notice, perhaps a quick look at my balding pate. But short of that I blend quite easily into the environment which I inhabit. I cause no stress, no curiosity, no fervor.

If those around me see me as a fellow of equal value, from the side, I may have interesting colors, tints, shades and an occasional brilliant splash of color. So there I am a common man with special interests for some and commonality with many.

Slide down low and there you find a less attractive fellow, dull of color and plain or cold to view. There is little there to attract and little to dwell on of value.

So whether man or trout it isn’t always how you present yourself that captures the attention of others but often how you are perceived by them, the one thing you can do little to modify. So swim on my friend, I know there is beauty and good in, on or around you if only I take the time to look for it.

©Herb Ratliff, February 26, 2013, All Rights Reserved