As a stare at the lifeless wild animal
that I had gathered
and placed gently amongst the garbage
I can't help but notice
how it's hairless little body
stands out from the refuse
and how the blood
radiates into the paper towel casket

The murderer sits quietly in the corner
eyes darting
between the corpse and the ground
his furry head drooped in a shame
he doesn't understand
but knows I want to see

Anger swells in my chest when I notice him
How could he?
my baby clamped his jaws
teeth sinking into soft flesh
I imagine my baby
tearing the life from this small thing
I stew over the question
did it's death bring him joy?

My disgust threatens to escape my throat
but as my lips part
I can only stand in silence

As a memory washes over me
of the time, in anger
l had hurt someone's baby
so shocked by my cruelty in that moment
that I had dropped to my knees
and begged forgiveness

My anger falls inwards
with the reminder that I, too, fall prey
Is it my nature to hurt?
or is it my human nature
To regret

As his tail thumps against the cold tiles
his muscular body wiggles in excitement
it's only in his nature, right?
I toss him a toy
it squeaks as he clamps his jaw once more