Safari

Dear friends,

I thought you might like an update on my latest experience on the African plains...

It came in the form of watching a great hunter. The fiercest predator of them all...the cat. I watch in awe at how efficient this beast truly is. No wasted movements as he silently approaches his next meal. The prey is completely unaware of the terrible shredding death that is about to befall it. It's amazing how the prey cannot just sense the intense look of death it is getting from the monster. He slowly approaches the helpless creature. Already thinking of the great feast that lies ahead, the beast's hair stands on end in sheer engulfing exctasy. One last prayer is uttered by the universe that if there is any way to spare this creature, let fate step in. The prayer goes unanswered and the mighty carnivore leaps to unleash his flying punishment. It is done... The twist-tie on my kitchen floor has been thoroughly annihilated by my cat.

I once read that women look for men who have pets because it means the man already understands that he must come home everynight. I found this line of thinking deeply fascinating. On one hand I found this notion very sweet. Having something/someone depending on you is a powerful leap in thinking and attitude. To realize that there are other creatures that look to you for food, shelter, and protection radically changes your world view. You are no longer a wandering nomad in search of solitary adventures. You are no longer free to come and go as you please for you now have reponsibilities and obligations. I personally care for many, many animals of a myriad of species, but part of this womanly feat of soothsaying bothers me...just a little. Perhaps we men must look for women who don't have pets. Maybe a woman who has pets hints that she is looking to tame a great beast. Perhaps this signifies that she is looking for a warrior to subjugate to her own kingdom. This may work for a short while, maybe even a long while, but in the end the piece of men's spirit that craves the open plain and the wonderful adventures it could bring will cry out in desperation. How each man deals with this cry is different. Some can ignore the call and pretend that the wind is not bekoning them to grow wings and fly to distance lands in search of treasure. Others, however, cannot. These cases are heartbreaking indeed. For the warrior hears the rushing of the wind in his ears and believes it's promises of freedom. This warrior answers the call at all costs in order to avoid being held captive by circumstances, never to return again. The secret for women, I think, is to accept, not deny the fact that inside each man lies that restless warrior. That every once in awhile he may need to answer the call of the wind. She must understand that if he is truly hers he will faithfully return from his adventure and bring with him great treasures that they may share together.