On our grandparents’ farm us kid cousins played in the shallow river that cut through their pasture. It sat deep in bled out banks. Steep walls of earthen matter. Between these pillars a trough of stagnant water. Upriver the Hutterite colony dumped tons of pig shit but still we swam and played. Caked skin in bottom mud then waved to passing strangers.
As we swam a fat leech latched to my cousin’s leg. It gave birth right there in the river. A swarm of suckling creatures stuck to pale skin. Black on white. Parasitic infants. Each speedy and small. Each desperate for blood.
He swatted and pulled but they spread all over. Slinked up his trunks then down his leg. It was an explosion of life and yet no miracle. Just a swarm that made him scream. Made him cry. The salt of tears not strong enough to slaughter a single one.
Once things settled the birth betrayed no beauty. Just the truth of life laid bare. An endless maze made of confusion. A swirling mass of death. One with an untold hunger. All of earth a leech birth.
“Newborn leeches attach to their caretaker’s body, which they leave as soon as a suitable host is in the vicinity and they can feed. After their first meal, they’re completely independent.”
Ahem:
“As soon as a suitable host is in the vicinity and they can feed.”
My poor cousin 😖😵
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Fascinating 👍
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That is horrifying. Your poor cousin!
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I’m gonna see him tomorrow so will send your condolences haha. This happened 20+ years ago and I still think of it often. Those of us that were there will never forget it 😖😖
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Ugh! Very vivid imagery here.😲
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Unfortunately I had to live it haha.
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I guess I will stay out of leech and pig feces infested creeks, thanks for the imagery!
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But those are the best swimming holes! And provide the tastiest sippin’ water 👌👌👌
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Ouch! That must have really hurt your cousin. 😢 Leeches are some of things that stop me from going to some nature hikes. They say detergent or salt would be a good agent to remove them, but I think bringing such on a hike would be a hassle for me. 😥
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Those are great tips. I carry a flamethrower while hiking. I’ve melted off every inch of skin and bone below my abdomen but at least I’m leech free!
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I really like your blog. A pleasure to come stroll on your pages. A great discovery and very interesting blog. I come back to visit you. Do not hesitate to visit my universe. A soon.
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Thank you! I’m so glad you’re enjoying it. If there’s a particular piece of yours you’d recommend then link it up 🙂
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