We share this world, with so many creatures. Hands, feet or wings, we all have our own features. ~ They too feel love, for their daughters and sons. They walk this earth, we aren’t the only ones. ~ Through time we have swelled, and taken what’s theirs. Forests are now cities, yet nobody cares. Their homes have been robbed, by the beasts we have become. We’ve stolen this planet. We must be numb.

The animals body, through time evolved. An amazing creation, no niche unsolved. ~ Yet we tear flesh from these beings, to satisfy our lust. Steal milk from their young, we abuse their trust. ~ A gentle creature, now no more than food. The flesh of another, how can we be so crude? ~ Their dignity ruined, by the beasts we have become. To indulge our gluttony. We must be numb.

With keen senses like us, they feel as we do. We like a gentle touch, and they do too. ~ They hurt if stung, and ache if they fall. But we use them as toys, like a bouncing ball. ~ For pretty perfumes, and shiny hair. Is animal testing, worth their despair? ~ Pushed and pulled, by the beasts we have become. Are they not equal? We must be numb.

Fur, skin and feathers, so many designs. Worn proudly and beautifully, by the animal it defines. ~ From the stripes of a tiger, to the wool of a sheep. An individuality, that goes more than skin deep. ~ Yet we strip these creatures, of their precious hide. Fur coats and leather bags, how can we feel pride? ~ Now used for pleasure, by the beasts we have become. How do we ignore this cruelty? We must be numb.

We make them suffer, for our own greed. Through their screams of torture, we let them bleed. ~ Their lives are lost, for our selfish desire. We crush their emotions, why let this transpire? ~ I feel this affliction, that I refuse to ignore. I embrace compassion, so they will suffer no more. ~ I have broken free, from this beast we have become. I have chosen veganism. I am not numb.

– From the Why I Will Always Be Vegan Essay Contest