All of God's creatures have rights, a fact that most people don't seem to recognize. This includes both human and non-human animals, but not all of them can speak for themselves.
'Twas the week before Christmas, and all through the shed
Every turkey was shaking and quaking in dread,
For up on the roof they had heard such a clatter
They were all gazing up to see what was the matter.
Then all of a sudden the roof opened wide
And a fat, jolly man in a sleigh came inside.
He said, "Don't be frightened, I mean you no harm,
I bring you a gift, there's no need for alarm."
The birds knew at once they had nothing to fear
But what sort of a gift could he give to bring cheer?
Their lives were so dreadful, so painful and sad,
What present could possibly make them feel glad?
And then he explained,"You're all leaving today.
Your gift is your freedom. Come climb on my sleigh."
He opened some sacks and the birds climbed inside,
Then off through the roof they went. Oh what a ride!
Time after time he returned in his sleigh
'Til every young bird was transported away,
They flew over mountains and flew over sea
To a beautiful place where they'd always be free.
And next day when the farmer threw open the door
He was shocked and amazed by the sight that he saw
Only feathers remained in that shed so immense,
Was it magic? Or ghosts? It just didn't make sense.
And so pleased was old Santa with what he had done
He decided he'd make this a regular run.
The farmer? Well he was so scared of the ghosts,
That now he grows soy beans for tofu nut roasts.
December 19, 2013
Go on to: Visions of Christmas
Return to: Poetry by Jenny Moxham
Return to Animal Rights Poetry