The Beggar Cow

Today I wished I was a beggar cow.
In India every neighborhood, whether it's the capital city or a small back-country village, has it's own local hangout area of the local stray cows. They are mostly male cows that get sent out of their birth homes, since Indian families are mostly interested in female cows for their milk. In any case, some of this very large male cows patrol the local food stoles in the center of their locality, and beg for food. When evening sets in, they slowly rise up in a relaxed content pace, with full confidence supported by the long history of their respected ancestors, they set off for dinner. Standing at the entrance to restaurants, with their undeniably large presence, their sheer size speaks their wish, and patiently await their share - a chapati, a piece of sweet, something small but rewarding. Once they receive their small offering, they politely leave and keep going to the next shop. This is how they spend dinner time. The rest of the afternoon they lay peacefully at the center divider, watching traffic go by.

Well, today after I made dinner; Dhal with tamarind and veggies, and Gobi with Kaju, I decided to run to the restaurant near by to fetch some tandoori rotis for my meal. I ordered my roti, and unlike the usual 2 minute wait, it was busier, and I waited awhile. This is when I viewed the beggar cow. I was impressed how quickly he got what he wanted. He was standing there for a short moment waiting his share. No one paid much attention at first, however, as soon as he decided it was time to be noticed, he had only to take two steps in the door and someone rushed out quickly with a hot roti, fresh out the tandoori, passed right by me, and the cow followed obediently. Needless to say, I was standing there, still waiting my turn, amazed at how gracefully and peacefully this large creature managed to get his needs met in such an overly populated, poverty stricken, humming and buzzing place as India.

I collect all of our food scraps in our house and go down to the street to offer these to the passerby cows. Sometimes the stray dogs join the meal. I noticed the cows always give the dogs first choice. They have such a calm way about them. I admire their peaceful, yet persistent, unwavering focus. They certainly have their way of getting what they want.
I only wish the men here will give such respectful care and careful attention to their women as they give their cows. Maybe they would if we grow two large horns?