I Sought Out The Space Cat.
16 Apr 2016PoeTheWonderCat
I sought out the Space Cat. Beyond the bubble and deep into the heart of the galactic core.Countless worlds did I see. Countless more sped past, ignored for lack of time or lack of energy. Some of those, most probably, will never be seen by mortals. Even the ones I cast a fleeting glance at may never see humanity again. We have grand plans for this, our native galaxy. But I've seen not one millionth of it and I say with ease that mankind will never take it all. I take comfort in that.
I will not deny the loneliness of the trip. The choking inconsequence of bridging the space between worlds. I would curl up in my bunk when exhaustion would permit me no more wakefulness and I would shiver and weep with the crushing sense of insignificance. The halls of the universe are vast and empty. Points of light speak not of greatness, but of fleeting sparks of existence, ultimately doomed to a heat death none can escape. The Cat was still.
But beyond my petty insecurity was a kind of relief. No man will touch this beauty. No drill will mine this ore. No technical marvel will shape and mold this world to fit the needs of life as we know it. This was and is and shall be and shall be no more; all perfect and priceless and untouched. That is how the Cat keeps the darkness. Hidden and secret. Safe from the eyes of those who would will their control on everything. Tiny gods with hearts more hollow then the echoing void I wandered. They will never have it all. They may polish the occasional blue green jewel until it shines with life, but it will not last. Mankind and whomever is beyond will work and toil and conquer and divide, but the face of the infinite and the darkness which caresses it will scarcely notice. They will blink, and it will be gone. This is the home of the Space Cat, and I was a fool to think I could pull him from the darkness and know him like I would know a pet.
I sought the Space Cat, but you won't find him like that. He may come to you, if you are patient. He may wind and curl at your feet, but you did not bid him to. He may lash out and claw and bite, but you did not anger him. It is not in spite. He may rest on your lap, but it is not for your comfort. You are warm and he is cold, no more. He may purr and sooth your mind. Take comfort in it, if you can. But know you do at his whim. The darkness is infinite, and a thousand came before, just like you. And a thousand more will come after you are gone.
So build your ships, and sail to glory or conquest or discovery. The void doesn't care. And remember the Space Cat. If he asks, let him on board. Cats are good luck on ships, the old sailors used to say. But know that when your time is done, he'll be gone and so will you, and the void will fill the tiny you shaped spot where glory and conquest and discovery weighed you down.