As we prepare to leave our sheltering Ararat, let us ask ourselves: Which is more blessed, to eat or to be eaten? To flee or to chase? To give or to receive? For these are at heart the same question. Such a question may soon cease to be theoretical: we do not know what Alpha Predators may lurk without.
Let us pray that if we must sacrifice our own protein so it may circulate among our fellow Species, we will recognize the sacred nature of the transaction. We would not be Human if we did not prefer to be the devourers rather than the devoured, but either is a blessing. Should your life be required of you, rest assured that it is required by Life.
Let us sing.
THE WATER-SHREW THAT RENDS ITS PREY
The Water-Shrew that rends its Prey
Acts purely out of Nature's need;
It does not stop to plot its course,
But simply does the deed.
The Leopard pouncing in the night
Is kin to soft domestic Puss --
They love to hunt, and hunt to love,
Because God made them t
hus.
And who can say if joy or fear
Are each in other's lasting debt?
Does every Prey enjoy each breath
Because of constant threat?
But we are not as Animals --
We cherish other Creatures' lives;
And so we do not eat their flesh
Unless dread Famine drives.
And if dread Famine drives us on,
And if we yield to tempting Meat,
May God forgive our broken Vows,
And bless the Life we eat.
From The God's Gardeners Oral Hymnbook
62
TOBY. SAINT NGANEKO MINHINNICK OF MANUKAU
YEAR TWENTY-FIVE
A red sunrise, meaning rain later. But there's always rain later.