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On this earth, there are creatures that can lose “substance,” becoming rapidly invisible. They can merge so completely with the world that they cannot be seen. The illusion of non-existence is furthered by a ruthless inactivity. They become “lifeless.” The motionless chickens of the grouse cannot be distinguished from shadows that mottle the ground. The rigid walking stick looks like a twig. The whiteness of the snow dissolves the action and form of the ermine. The praying mantis sways like a leaf in the breeze. And there are other living things that possess this faculty for obliterative but protective “death.” From this type of creature, the expression “playing ‘possum’ has found its way into the English language.
On this earth, there is another contrary group of animals that possess a faculty for swelling up. This swelling up is also employed in the service of self-preservation. The cornered cat swells and spits. The cobra extends its hood. The dog erects his hairs, he drools saliva. The porcupine bristles. The squid clouds himself with sepia. There are fish capable of puffing themselves up to astounding proportions. Perhaps, the swelling makes it more difficult for the creature to be eaten. But, too, the swelling, like the unhinging of the jaws of the python aids the animal in cannibalizing his enemy. The extension of self brings about the encapsulation of a threatening outer danger. It is much better to be the one that devours than it is to be the one devoured.
The monocellular amoeba, devoid of special differentiation can swell one part of its surface around an offensive irritant. Multicell-ular man with arms flailing and rage engorged face increases his use of space. The angry infant in the crib striking out in all directions with tears pouring from the eyes, face livid, mouth spewing saliva, perspiration ebbing from the pores, the chest heaving, the veins sticking out, with screams coming from the throat and flatus and feces gushing from the rectum, undoubtedly