He was a tall black and white cat with jade green eyes, a very old soul. He enjoyed the pleasure of chasing butterflies across a field or hunting for mice. He’d been abandoned when very young, but he happily spent his time in comfortable solitude. His life was good, although at times he desired the company of others.
His evenings were spent hunting small creatures that might make tasty dinners, and he always dined alone. His community was composed of a number of feral cats ~ all wise in the ways of the world, all strong warriors. When he was of age, he studied the wisdom of the sages and the ways of war. He was an astute observer of human nature, and he was especially interested in history and the cultures of the world. He and his companions occasionally enjoyed kung fu sparring and philosophical discussions that sometimes became quite fiery.
Late one evening, a woman saw him chasing butterflies, and she asked him to come home with her. He agreed, deciding that it might be nice to have a family. He had to admit he’d felt lonely at times. She named him Orca, because of his beautiful black and white markings, and because he was great, powerful, and wise.
A rare creature with the grace of a cat, the heart of a lion, and the wisdom that only comes to those who have practiced the fine art of listening.
He explained to his family that it was necessary for him to travel frequently, since he had become a special advisor to numerous heads of state, as well as to the Pope. To many he was known as the “Feline Dalai Lama,” due to the great wisdom he imparted to those he met. For instance, when he met with Mother Teresa in Calcutta, he advised her on enlisting financial donors in the U.S. and establishing a relationship with the mayor of New York, Ed Koch.
Mother Teresa and New York City Mayor Ed Koch |
(This keepsake photo was given to him as a remembrance of his service.)
Orca traveled the world ~ sometimes for secret government business, sometimes for pleasure. He acted as temporary advisor to the British Prime Minister during the Iraq war, while also enjoying long visits with his feline companions who lived along the deserted coastlines of the U.K. as well as the docks of Bermuda.
One of his most treasured friends was a famous political analyst, a brilliant gentleman with whom he shared many pleasant evenings. They discussed the state of the world, or they sometimes sat in comfortable silence together. They frequently indulged in an amicable game of chess.
Would you like to hear more about Orca and his adventures?
Although the great Orca has crossed over the rainbow bridge and left us, he recorded many of his assignments and escapades in a leather-bound book kept safely stored by his family, sworn to secrecy these many years. For the sake of national ~ and international security ~ the diary may soon be opened. High level discussions are currently being held, but unfortunately there are few now left in the world who can be trusted with such knowledge. Ah, such is the nature of our present day world! Adieu for now!