| Daddy Longlegs and Heart |
| Ask
anyone what a Daddy Longleg (or Daddy-Long-Leg) is, they would probably
tell you it is a kind of insect with super long legs. But is it true?
No, not exactly. But why? Well, the name had been variously applied to such creatures as craneflies (insecta) and some non-insecta such as spiders and phalangids (pictured right). Apart from their eye-popping long limbs, they are quite unrelated. However, the use of Daddy Longleg should never be scorned at all. On the contrary, I think its popularity reflects very well the Child that is within all of us waiting to break free and play. You should try saying 'Daddy Longleg'. It is both fun on the lips and playful in our |
 |
imagination.
I, for one, can certainly imagine how happy and spontaneous the first child must have been when coining and uttering the words in reference to his or her daddy's long legs, and how wonderful it must have felt being the proud father. I should know as I am one too.
This is not to say that 'exactness' is unimportant. In fact, it is as indispensible as the anchor of a ship. However, there is a time and place for it to be used. For the voyage of discovery to begin, it must be weighed (brought out of water and stored).
To the captain-child belongs first the freedom to imagine and understand on their own terms. With these, no storm cannot be weathered in the vast ocean of learning. Inasmuch, no anchoring should be so fettering as to stop all exploring. Let Daddy Longlegs walk on!!
I, for one, can certainly imagine how happy and spontaneous the first child must have been when coining and uttering the words in reference to his or her daddy's long legs, and how wonderful it must have felt being the proud father. I should know as I am one too.
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Epilogue
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This is not to say that 'exactness' is unimportant. In fact, it is as indispensible as the anchor of a ship. However, there is a time and place for it to be used. For the voyage of discovery to begin, it must be weighed (brought out of water and stored).
To the captain-child belongs first the freedom to imagine and understand on their own terms. With these, no storm cannot be weathered in the vast ocean of learning. Inasmuch, no anchoring should be so fettering as to stop all exploring. Let Daddy Longlegs walk on!!