The Stump

The Rev. Canon Dr. James M. McPherson

The Stump

 

We had a chookyard down the back
where layers laid until they could no more;
then Dad would walk them to the stump
and tomahawk; I would make the breadcrumbs
  for the stuffing

a lifelong carnivore, I grieve the heedless
hedonistic eating in our big rock candy
wonderland of succulent delight; where
the meat department’s beaming smiles
and bloodless trays discreetly shield
the buyer from the ugly business of the kill,
and set at nought the grievous intimacy
learned in walking your next meal – living –
  to the stump

© the Revd James M McPherson
Mount Coolum, Queensland, Australia

Image www. telegraph.co.uk