Locked in, but looking out at the beauty of an iguana

I wrote this post more than a year ago. It is still very poignant, if not even more so. I hope you enjoy reading it again ...

It is amazing how, in very definite ways, a simple reptile can remind us that there are parts of our natural order that no man-made or natural disaster can suppress. On the third day of Antigua's complete lockdown to stem the spread of Covid-19, an iguana, a large, green, rough-skinned lizard, appeared on my water tank in the middle of the day, causing much alarm in my household. When we spotted it, my first reaction was indignation. For about five minutes, I thought of it as an unwelcome guest, but then it struck me that the word, “guest” had positive connotations and I had created an oxymoron which, in this instance, was undesirable. It was more of a dreaded invader! That’s right, to me that iguana was a despicable, dreaded invader. But a mystery had been solved.

That despicable creature was the culprit who had robbed me of many juicy mangoes and delectable papaws (papayas). The one who caused me to exclaim in anger when fruit that I had been eyeing and waiting for the sun and the sap of fullness to work their magic on, was found, while the grass was still wet from dew, almost completely devoured. It was a cunning foe. Blending perfectly with the trees, it had managed to evade detection before now. This four-legged reptile was quite unlike the many Keskidees, Blackbirds and Doves residing in and around my yard. It was not even a blink as welcome as the occasional Hummingbird that I spot or the Gaulin bird that feeds from my dog’s pan. Birds just peck, and, since I believe in the extra sweetness of a bird-pecked fruit, I don’t mind the birds at all. But this creature greedily, selfishly, leaves the fruit it selects useless. If the fruit is still hanging from the tree when it is finished feeding on it, I can only knock the remaining portion to the ground in disgust. So, for a few minutes, I wanted to destroy that iguana.

 It did not matter to me that it was clearly a young one judging from its length because iguanas can reach a total length of six feet. This one was just about two feet long. I started to imagine how I would capture it and put an end to its wretched life. It would be dead and buried by my hands. I know there are many people who would say if I killed it, I should cook it. People eat iguanas. Iguana curry is a special dish in many Amerindian communities and in the wider population in Guyana as well so I am sure I have Guyanese friends who would have lined up to collect that iguana. I am sure, too, that Guyanese are not the only nationality who enjoy an iguana dish. But, no! It was not going to be curried or have the distinction of appearing on any menu prepared in my kitchen. Some things were not created to be eaten and the iguana is one of them. I was going to kill it and bury it with great satisfaction. Gladly, that use of my mental energy did not last very long.

My eldest son, who saw a possible pet, and a good friend of mine to whom I had sent a photograph of the family’s discovery helped me to change my attitude to that iguana. Yes, it eats my Julie mangoes, it devours my papaws and my guavas but it is also a priceless symbol. Viewed kindly, the young iguana could be a symbol of hope, of industry, of God’s creative power and, according to my friend, beauty. More importantly, it appeared, free and unmasked, while I was locked in because of Covid-19 and could not venture out without a face covering. I started to think about the situation the world was in differently.

Covid-19 is horrible but the natural order of life continues. The sun rises in the morning and sets at dusk, the moon shines at night and stars bedeck the sky. I can hear the wind serenading the branches and feel its coolness just the same. I can smell the fragrance of flowers and admire their delicate loveliness. Animals are giving birth to their young; they feed and frolic. All creatures seek food where it can be found and wander freely as they have always done. Truly, there is hope and beauty all around. Covid-19 cannot suppress that!

Furthermore, Covid-19 is a dreaded invader but, in many ways, it is stimulating the best in people everywhere. It is destroying life but blossoming love. We have much to celebrate. We can celebrate the creativity, industry, dedication and resourcefulness of teachers around the globe who, in spite of their natural inclinations, have moved online to educate the world’s children. I propose a toast to all the doctors and nurses and other healthcare workers who are tirelessly providing care for the sick. Let’s raise a banner to the creators of the many clever jokes and memes that have already emerged from this crisis. Three cheers for people like my godmother in Queens, New York, who are risking their lives to take food and other necessities to the most vulnerable among us.

All the beautiful human qualities that covid-19 has thrown a spotlight on reflect a powerful message: It is not what we face in life that matters but how we respond to what we face that truly counts. The iguana disappeared from the top of the tank but if it chooses to appear on my water tank again in plain view of the Collins family, I will definitely echo my friend’s thought, “That looks beautiful”.

This is Desryn Tessa Ann, locked in but looking out for God’s grace.