When I first moved to Cottonwood Arizona in January of 2014, I was instantly hooked by the ever-presence of giant hill after hill of Ant Communities. Nation upon nation and so industriously alive. I found myself dropping headlong into the mystery and power of it, of their mini-cosmos worlds.

Down on the rock and sand flood plane of the Verde River I took many pictures, up close.

And finally I began bringing offerings of pulverized crackers.

But alas, not everyone would be so enamored. Some may regard them as pests always, many as a sort of no-thing, even in the wild outdoors.

Might we bring a little awareness and more consideration?

I am remembering my father now, as I go to this place. I hear his voice echoing in me, his mantra (when we were out in Nature together)

“Always keep your eyes open, you never know what you’ll see”.

When I am aware, with the eyes of my heart open,
I see them and I so love and respect them.

They seem powerful friends to me.
These days I’ve upgraded to sprinkles
of slightly outdated, by human standards–raw oats.

I wish to teach the children about the beauty and awesomeness of ants,
as I was rightly taught. Let’s send messages of love and respect
to All of Nature.

Thanks Dad.

http://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends-americas-opinion-guest-authors/ant-people-hopi-00927