All Cattle And No Hat

While driving down the road, I saw a herd of cattle grazing in a field – not a really unusual thing here in Texas.  Anyway, I got to thinking about those cattle and their lives as such.  Seemed to me that this particular lot has a pretty nice life.  Good grass, enough shade trees, and a creek with fresh water.  I wondered to myself whether these cattle appreciated, or even realized how good they have it.

Now I know that some of them had an unpleasant moment earlier in life when their prospects of being a breeding bull were suddenly, and unpleasantly ended.  But, since then, just look at their circumstances.  I’m sure they get free healthcare.  Hell, if they are like the average American cow, they get more antibiotics than the law should allow.  Literally.  Their owner/master makes sure they have all they need for a comfortable cow life.   I should be such a cow!

Then I realize there is a catch – there always is.  In a few short months, these cattle will surely face what I call the “Oh Shit” moment.

I raised some cows once and I saw them when that moment came.  It was as they were herded down the ramp from the truck that took them on their last ride.  You could see it in their eyes as soon as they smelled the fear and the blood of those who went before.  Then, and only then did they realize that everything has a price.  And an ending.

I now fear that many of the humans I care for, along with multitudes of others I don’t even know, are about to have an “Oh Shit” moment.

And there is nothing I can do but watch the fear in their eyes as they realize what is about to happen.  I could say to some of them that “I told you so”, but that has such a hollow ring to it now.  There are times that being right really sucks.

Now you must excuse me while I look for my Prozac.

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