Survival Of The Fittest

The Elders arrived first. As their age hampered quick movement it was decreed that they should enter the meeting chamber early and settle before the younger members raced in, scattering everything before them, generally known to be rambunctious and some cases downright frivolous in their conduct.

“The meeting will now come to order and give close attention to the scandalous state of affairs which we find ourselves in.” A long pause for effect as the Supreme leader scanned his audience. He was more interested in who had bothered to show up and exactly who was absent in defiance of his summons.

“As MOST of you would be aware by now, our food supply has become severely restricted.”

An interjection from the gathering offered,”There ain’t nothin to eat at all!” Many murmured in agreement with this sentiment. Some sounded angry.

The Supreme Leader stiffened at this call from the gathering. He had to proceed with caution. If the thought spread that the famine had something to do with his leadership position, he could find himself in serious trouble.

“I think it is time to call upon the Elders to explain what they know from their great depth of experience and knowledge that could be the cause.” Shift attention elsewhere. If there must be a blood letting, make certain it belongs to someone else.

An almost ancient individual waved, stumbled upright and spoke with authority. “Been telling you youngsters that you have had it too good for too long. Now you’re finally going to have to face the facts. NOTHING LASTS FOREVER.” Having shouted this last thought, he collapsed, then whispered with his last breath, “Not even me.”

Another elder immediately took his place. “On the last occasion before we moved to this location, there had been a devastating drought. Virtually nothing survived. Not grass, not weed, not animal, not man. That was the most hazardous threat to our survival in our collective living memory.” He was wound up and full of righteous zeal now. “But you fail to listen to your elders and have been in constant denial of the fact that this catastrophe was building.” Again, the long pause was used for emphasis. This bunch was good at long pauses. He then proceeded.

“While you complain now, soon you will quake with fear. When I was young…” a voice from the gathering interrupted “Here we go again, When I was small, my daddy warned us about the great wind machines and toxic water waves.”

“AND if you had listened. we would have been prepared for the vacuum cleaners and mops that have devastated our food supplies. Luckily for our species, the Cockroach will survive and outlive the aggressors.