A Memo From the Humane Slaughter Association

Relax.

Breathe.

You’ll be beaten

only during abduction.

In captivity

we treat our guests with tenderness and dignity.

For a full year

you’ll enjoy the finest organic grasses

in our spacious feedlots.

When the bolt comes, as it must,

it will come quickly.

We always hit the brain,

sometimes on the first blow.

So, step this way.

The butcher will see you now.

We’re proud to offer

slaughter with a smile.

Daniel Barlekamp is the author of poetry, fiction, and audio drama for adults and young readers. His poems have appeared in Seventh Quarry, Molecule, Synkroniciti, and elsewhere and have been translated into Chinese by Poetry Hall. Originally from New Jersey, Daniel now lives with his wife and son in Massachusetts, where he works in immigration law by day and attends law school by night. Visit him at dgbarlekamp.com.