There’s something profoundly telling about how we treat those who can offer us nothing in return—the innocent, the voiceless, the vulnerable. Whether it’s a child, a wild creature, or an animal raised for slaughter, our response to their presence reveals the depth of our humanity. It is easy to turn away, to rationalize, to pretend comfort in the face of their suffering. But I believe we are called to more. I believe we are called to protect them and to allow them to live out their lives in safety and love.
This poem was born from a moment of heartbreak—a fleeting connection with a single, beautiful bovine whose life was not hers to keep. I couldn’t save her. But in witnessing her, in feeling that pull to do something, I made a quiet promise to her and to every being like her: I will keep fighting. I will keep raising my voice for the ones who have none.
Promise
in dark i see you suffering
defeat breathed into air
tears sorely diluted
matted with despair
longing to break you free
to heal the whole of hurts
take away the pain,
and end this wicked curse
oh, were my arms just wide enough
to envelop safely in
steal the strike of loss
and harness your trembling
how can i save you
rip or tear away
swing the gate of inheritance
you were born to run and play
these fields are for your dancing
the sky for your bright eyes
clouds drift above you
smiling back at their ally
i run my hand along your cheek
settle beneath your chin
can you feel the love of lifetimes
while steeped in muddy sin
i wish to keep you close
so you may sleep and dream and dare
but i cannot protect you
my soul’s burden, your nightmare
you deserve a legion
i am only one
what promise can i make you
too small to overcome
battling the gross hunger
that drives the fierce machine
all need to awaken
a courageous, bold reckoning
prayers and tears save nothing
sorry gives no escape
are promises worth anything
when for you it is too late
Tricia Leines
A special thank you to the artist, Jean McEwan. You may find Jean at www.jeanmcewan.com
Tricia Leines 
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