inkstained

I saw a black cat today. More like a kitten, actually. It was hiding under the dumpster outside my dorm, probably taking shelter from the rain. But oddly enough, I didn't see the cat at first; what I actually saw were the at least thirty crows circling overhead. The situation was entirely surreal and reminded me of Mary Austin's "The Scavengers," where she advises that if you are looking for your friend who is dying of dehydration in the desert, follow the buzzards doing lazy circles in the sky. I felt really bad for this kitten, but it wouldn't come out from under the dumpster, and I wasn't sure what to do. Is it dying? Were they just following it because it's small and alone? How on earth did they find it? (Did it smell strange or give off some other vibe?) At any rate, we're not (legally) allowed pets in the dorms, and several of my suitemates are deathly allergic to cats, or I might have tried harder to rescue it. I wonder why I only feel bad for the kittens and not at all for the poor starving crows desperately stalking anything that looks remotely like it can be eaten soon?

In other news, I'm back from the field trip now! Will maybe post some reflections later. In the meantime, lots of homework. :(