NEPHART.COM

two goats
escaped from the slaughterhouse

decided to spend
the rest of their lives together
somewhere
far from human sight

they thought
they would board a bus
and go somewhere green

somewhere natural
where no wild animals dwell

because wild animals kill
when they are hungry

humans kill
and make sure
you never get up again

they reached the bus stop

of course
everyone saw them

some laughed
some stared
some mocked

they could not hide
from anyone’s judgement

even the bus
refused to take them

they did not have
a goat pass

soon
they were all over the news

two goats on the run

but they could not run far

they had dreamed
of meadows

of running freely
through the grass

eating their favourite leaves
grazing
like there was no tomorrow

far from the sound
of cutting machines

guns

sharp blades

far from the place
where they had seen
their families
friends
and relatives

for the last time

they only wanted
to live without fear

to wake up
without wondering
who would disappear next

but somewhere
someone would find them

and think of dinner

to us
they are only
walking delicacies

and here I am

writing about
their fear
their escape
their little dream
of freedom

shame on me

I am writing this

eating mutton