Laughing Cow
Written by Jenna Westling
Born an ungulate with udders
A deadly combination
Because of this fate
You’re less than a carcass
As a bairn
You’re reared in a cramped barn stable
And as a dairy cow
You live in a coffin
You’re labeled as “free range”
Yet you’ve never set hoof on a pasture
You wonder if the grass is just as green
From the trough in your cage
In your daily routine, you’re
Shackled
Ravaged
Raped
Exploited
And abused
Until you can’t even stand on your own four hooves
You dream of the day
You’ll be whisked off into darkness
On a fatal conveyer belt
Leaving this suffering behind
What do they have in store for you?
Will you be a belt?
A tenderloin?
Why did they torture you?
Was it all in the name of whey?
Fingers crossed your skin
Will be worn by a household name
Are you happy?
Are you a martyr?
You’re branded at birth
With a hot iron
Then branded when you’re dead
As medium rare
And what of your offspring?
Will they be veal?
They were robbed of their sustenance
Where were they taken? Where?
Your calf will continue this cycle
And so will your grandchildren
Until all that is left of your family name
Are liquid white ashes
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