IF CONVIVIALITY AND PEACE IS POSSIBLE BETWEEN SPECIES, WHY IS IT SUCH A CHALLENGE FOR HUMANKIND?

This question surfaced in my consciousness this winter, during two glorious weeks on the Puerto Rican Island of Vieques, side-by-side chickens and cats as companions and meal mates. The house we rented in Esperanza had two large buckets by the door leading to this deck—one labeled “for chickens,” the other “for cats.” Just as last year during our stay at this same Airbnb, we assumed the understood responsibility of keeping both well fed and watered. 

Most of the time, each species kept to its own territory. The chickens scurried across the scrabbly backyard searching for bugs; occasionally, they’d leave the ground and fly onto branches of near-by broad-leafed trees (who knew chickens could fly? I didn’t). The cats napped and sunned for hours on cushioned deck chairs. When the urge struck, they’d nibble their dry food and lap water in bowls, usually placed on the deck flooring or on a high wooden cabinet. 

However, as this photograph proves, there were occasions when both species were quite content to dine together, without fuss or feud.

Which brings me to the disturbing question of the day. Why do we humans find it so challenging to live and let live, to share territory and resources that do not belong to any of us if truth be told. Not only now, at such a disturbing and unsettling time across the globe, but throughout history, we humans, with our so-called superior brains, have struggled and too often failed to cooperate and thrive together peaceably. 

I offer no lofty or creative resolution here but take hope from the non-human animals around us. Their “survival wisdom” via peaceful conviviality deserves both notice, awe, and imitation most of all.