Metallic Extrusion

The barn sits red beneath a silvery roof

And tries to call up memories of the time

When it contained the gentle step of hoof

Of soft-breathed cows, but modern farming crime

Has jammed the cows in separate pens alone

Except for cows in other cages near

But not quite near enough.  They do not moan

(These captive cows).  No patient lonely tear

Escapes brown eyes.  Why should it?  They have space

To stand and lie.  They have the food they need.

They are not driven to a slaughter place

. . . Till later.  They become our ground beef feed.

  Their calves are turned to veal or daughter-cream

    Production. Calmer females do not scream.

~ Phillip Whidden