ManUNkind versus the Animal Kingdom

Sitting in a daze for the past week and being unable to concentrate or focus on anything I have left my mind to wander down the many different roads and byways of thought patterns that make up who I am.

Living in Africa there is always a violent undertone, be it amongst different colours, religions or tribes. Is there something in Africa that brings out the worst in many of us so called humans that dwell not so peacefully in this land?

Why is this beautiful continent so full of violence and hate that both seem to manifest daily in each of our lives. If someone takes too long at a stop sign or traffic light there is the guarantee of being hooted at and foul language been sent our way. We push and shove each other to get served first at the supermarket and have no thoughts or feelings for those older or less fortunate in the physical sense than we ourselves are.

Is it essential that we bite, scratch, kick and abuse one and other, be it literally or metaphorically, so that we can gain the upper hand in whatever situation we happen to find ourselves in? What has changed in Africa that this seems to be more of a norm that an exception?

Please do not bother to mention the imperialistic white rulers who came centuries ago with the idea in mind to open Africa up, not only to the western religions but also to the technology that has brought us education, medicine, electricity, telephones, roads, railways and every modern convenience that is available in first world countries.

Why are African countries ruled and controlled by such dishonest and despotic leaders? Why is there no control over the crime rate and why do we have to barricade ourselves in our homes so that we may sleep peacefully at night?

The amount of blatant hostility between people of different colours and religions is obvious to see. No longer can we call our homes a place of safety, we must always be aware of locking doors and making sure that windows are securely locked, alarms set, gates double locked for the night and any animals are inside the house so that they do not fall victims to the poisoning that can and does so easily happen in any neighborhood.

No longer is it safe to take an early morning brisk walk to get the blood flowing, or an evening stroll as the sun sets and we begin to wind down for the day. Instead we check that all is locked up and closed for the night and turn on fans or air-conditioning to make our homes livable.

I so love lying on my back on cool green grass and gazing at the moon and stars on clear summer nights. Now when I venture out two dogs are with me, and as the three of us lie close together I am thankful for their company as well as their protection. We go to the side of the house so we cannot be seen from the street, take five minutes to enjoy the heavens above us and then retreat once more into our fortress.

My family is no different to any other family living in South Africa, colour or religion does not guarantee safety. Learning to be alert, to be cautious, to lock things up and to protect ourselves and our belongings is what we have had to do.

When I think about the Animal Kingdom I see a different world, I see many species of wild life living comfortably together, yes the lions do eat the lambs, yet they take only that which is required to feed their pride. They will fight for their territory, yet tend to protect an area that can be controlled with ease and which feeds them well.

Antelope herds graze together with giraffe, buffalo and elephant. Hippopotamus and crocodile grace our river banks when basking in the sun. These animals eat when they are hungry and follow each other to greener grass and more pleasant pastures as the rains sweep over the land and the rivers run clear and sweet.

In the fields we see tick birds sitting happily on the backs of cattle contentedly picking off ticks, while being transported around by the larger beasts.

Shark and other sea animals often have smaller fish cleaning their gills and removing barnacles. Why is it that parasitic creatures are not eaten by their hosts? The answer here is majestically simple, they have learned to live together in peace, each in their own way feeding off, or fending off for the other, so that the natures balance is maintained.

Beautiful stories, fact and fable, are told to us, of animals rearing each others offspring, of a hippopotamus chasing crocodiles to save the life of antelope, both fact. There is Mowgli having been reared by a she wolf, fiction. There are tales of she dogs feeding small kittens their milk, of dogs mothering tiny new born rabbits, of cats and hedgehogs.

Why is it that animals know and understand completely the force and power of nature? They know when to stay and when to run, they have a greater regard for life than any human, yet we look down upon them as beings that should be subservient to our ways, as if they were placed on planet Earth for our use, our abuse, and because they do not scream and cry as we do, they do not suffer pain, fear and anguish.

When wounded do you see an animal lying down when there is any possibility that it can walk? Do you see self pity in an animal, yet their huge souls allow them to feel pity for us and to come to our aid.

Man to me is ManUNkind and Animals are the ones that perhaps will walk side by side through the Pearly Gates and the Kingdom of God will be filled with the Animal Kingdom.

In memory of a beautiful lady, Cordelia, who was murdered in October.

May she rest in peace.