deep in the abyss
of the tether
lives a little girl
beautiful as ever
her eyes affixed
on each passing gaze
as she wonders
what a heavenly play

a calf safely caged
under his mother
as they share
the company of
one another.
supple and grazed.

the curtain draws
and the roles are called
now she’s awakened
to all the horrors

calf’s branded veal
and his mother dairy
it’s suddenly turned
truth so scary.