Tricia Leines

Paul McCartney once said, “If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be vegetarian.” That quote has echoed in my heart for years, but recently, I saw a video that gave those words an even deeper weight. It showed a magnificent steer—huge, beautiful, trembling—as he was led to slaughter. He resisted. Bellowed. His legs shook. You could see the fear in his eyes, the awareness, the knowing. It broke me.

I’ve been vegan for 22 years—not always perfect, but always trying, always learning. The more present and mindful I become, the more I feel the weight and the power of my choices. Veganism has been healing—for my body, for the planet, and most of all, for the countless sentient, intelligent animals whose lives are spared.

This poem was born from that moment of heartbreak and clarity. It’s my way of giving voice to those who have none.

“Slaughterhouse Glass”

Peer through the glass

See the pain inside

Your uncivil war

Innocence vs lies

Don’t look away

Study long and hard

For she is your slaughter

You’ve made him your reward

That’s terror in her eyes

Panicking last cries

Plead to no reply

A gruesome goodbye

Bred only to die

Do you know why?

You claim health, wealth

Convenience, culture

“It’s how it’s always been…

I abide to the structure.”

You swear by tradition

Flex your strength

Like Pontius, killing the pure

While keeping truth at length

It’s a cruel story you spin

A grave entitlement

You betray yourself and sin

With every single bite

There is no humane slaughter

No kindhearted kill

He doesn’t go freely

To the gun’s bolt of steel

Tricia Leines

More about cow slaughterhouse practices…https://headlines.peta.org/help-cows-meat-dairy-leather/

Animal Welfare Movies…https://www.peta.org/living/entertainment/animal-rights-movies-watch-online/