THE PLEDGE

by Janet Riddle
 
Until the last flesh is consumed
And no more animals are born to doom
Our struggle is beside the weak
Respect for life is what we seek
 
Until the last is forced to entertain
And no more animals are driven insane
For all those beaten to a cower
We lend our strength and our power
 
Until the last suffers in a cruel test
And scientific fraud is finally confessed
To those voiceless we give them word
Until their agonizing cries are heard
 
Until the last dead skin is worn
And for our usage no animal is born
Relentless battles we must fight
Until all others see compassion’s light
 
Until the last abuse has ceased
And existence is granted in every beast
We won’t abandoned or give in
Because this war we intend to win