Tooth and claw
I wrote this originally, about a different dog when I was still vegetarian. I now eat the fish that are terrified when they are caught but I do not eat land animals. I don’t know why; I think I really should be vegan but somehow, I am not.
I come across animals much more in my life nowadays and know, without a shadow of doubt, that animals feel strongly. When our dog, Dash, was beaten up by another dog, he was traumatised for days. Physically he couldn’t get upstairs but worse were the times he would stand stationary, trembling, staring into space and the legacy; where he is now suspicious and frightened when he meets new dogs; that makes me sad.
I suppose I have given up on the certainty of an ethical and moral life; I do my best but I make many mistakes. I find certainty suspect and the need to do the right thing all the time somehow makes me awkward; makes me think the need to always be good or moral in itself indicates some sort of lack; that such a life is not a well lived or respectful life. It seems to exclude failure and weakness and confusion. I do not like it when I witness it. I do not know why I want to say this.
Tooth and claw
Rats can laugh
Its official
And if rats can laugh
Crows can fall in love
And partner each other for life
And if rats can laugh
A fish can beat on the shore in pure terror
When plucked from its hook
And if rats can laugh
Dash the dog
Can make me laugh too
When he climbs on top of me
Licks me so much my ears hear better
My eyes shine brighter
And I have to stop reading the book that was making me sad
01/12 adapted 01/21
(Photo: Dash and me at Ardmore, Jan 21)
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