Becoming a Herbivore

Meat to many is a delicacy

foie gras, filet mignon, Carpaccio,

but I can’t help but to think of the life,

that had as much of a right to live as I do.

That had as much of a family

Shielding him from hostility.

Resting together under a tree in moonlight.

What do they say to each other

in their secret language?

How do they live?

Do they have a joyful life roaming

stretching fields,

long blades of grass

full of morning dew

brushing the base of their legs?

All day, behind wood fences,

cars rush by,

unaware of them.

Unaware of their fate, a number, dangling

from a single ear.

It is the circle of life we are taught,

A dove can’t worry about the worm

when her chics, open-mouthed cry.

I once saw a truck in Salamanca

with pigs stacked 3 rows high.

they circled the round about,

into the distance until a tiny dark spot.

Even then, I wondered, did they know they were loved?

 

 

Reviews

[Michael G. Smith]

I sympathize with you here, my wife and limit our meat intake because the Lord said meat was meant for the winter season. Although what of the plants they also live? I think we should always have certain awareness of the foods we eat for are not or bodies temples of the Lord. So you have posed many things to think about. We should bridle our passions sometime out of wisdom and discipline. I love McDonald's but I have learned to live without it and now I am working on Pizza Hut.

[JenniferMarie]

Thank you. Its so true I guess I have gained this clarity. I am now aware of plants too. I ask for less tomatos in a salad and so forth (I know it sounds silly, but I do). I just feel a respect for life. I want only what I need where as I used to not even consider what I wasted or where it came form. I'm happy to have the awaremenss and it is difficult at time, but I'm glad. Your comment is really insightful. Thank you.

[ayosonolowo]

Nice writting i really like this

[JenniferMarie]

Thank you. I appreciate your comment and look forward to reviewing your writing too. :)

[ayosonolowo]

You're welcome, thanks alot

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this is really good...i like the perspective from the animal's point of view...this could almost make me become a vegetarian...but then as the chic's mouth is open and the worm goes in...so we must survive according to the plan...and part of that is i think..raising that which gives us sustenance...

this reminds me of the cows i loved so much in vermont...they had names...i remember them all..and was devastated years later to learn that those very same cows that were for milk...were also slaughtered...

the cycle of life can really be sad sometimes....your poem got me thinking.
nice work.

jacob

[JenniferMarie]

Thank you Jacob. Lately I've struggled with eating meat. We all do have to survive though, animals too. So I'll just give thanks.

Thank you for sharing about the cows in Vermont. They were loved and in life isn't it great to be loved. :)