Everything that lives deserves respect
regardless of appearance -
slug and spider,
snake and tiger
glory life's occurrence.

Living though implies no right to life;
some creatures must be killed.
Though prey that dies
won't realise,
its role has been fulfilled.

Harmful parasites, diseases, pests
we kill without compunction;
we poison slugs
and squash strange bugs
and think that's just our function.

Useful creatures also get destroyed
by chance, without intention;
worms can't evade
the slicing spade,
their deaths not worth a mention.

Even cultivating plants for food
destroys some wilderness;
extinct creatures'
unique features
we cannot re-possess.

Men destroy so much of nature's work
some even kill each other !
Should we respect
those who reject
the life right of another ?

Violence and death are natural
for life is nothing sacred
but humans see
society
survives by curbing hatred.

Individuals are barred vengeance
and so rely on others'
views of fairness
giving justice
for loved ones who have suffered.