A Stray in Bangalore.

He lies quietly at his post.  He does not come back every night.  There are some nights, which he hunts, searching for a real meal among the litter and trash.  Some nights, during which he explores, searching for a new domain, one where he can find opulence and a mate.  Invariably however, he always ends up in the same spot, on the sidewalk by my apartment, alone.  It is peaceful there; he is not disturbed by traffic, be it with wheels or feet.  He knows that there he can doze off early, and wake up late.  If there is ever a peaceful sidewalk in Bangalore he has found it, and he is reluctant to give it up.  He worries that his peace won’t last, for he knows it never does.  One day a pack will come, and oust him from his spot, for he is alone and weak.  The peace he finds comes at the price of food, for here there are fewer people, so there is less food.  Just for him, I throw down my half eaten apple by the side of the road, hoping he finds it.  I wish I could do more, but I know that wouldn’t help him.  I understand the satisfaction that comes with earning what you have, and he should be satisfied.  I can see his fear though.  Each time I walk by when he’s awake, he shudders at the thought of being shoed away.  When he sleeps though, it is a deep and peaceful sleep, which the loudest horn cannot wake.  He dreams of better times; when he can find a harmony between peace and food.  His conscious self is more practical.  He wakes to the already bright day, gives a great yawn with a stretch and he’s on his way.  He doesn’t look for his dream; he simply looks to survive the day.  He goes out and scavenges what he can, not because it’s what he wants to do, but because it’s what he feels he has to do.  He could set off.  He could head farther from the city.  But what about food?  But what about his peaceful spot on the sidewalk? It’s so hard to find a peaceful spot.  He can’t give up his peaceful spot.  He’s knows it’s never going to last, but that’s what he has, and he’s not going to risk it while he has it.  Besides, who would?

Today’s lesson, don’t just dream.

You’re Welcome,

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