Call us by our true names

A simple poem which links live animals to meat - inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh. I found it in the latest Singapore Vegetarian Society's e-newsletter. You can sign up for the e-newsletter here

Call Us By Our True Names

The last time you ordered me for dinner,
you forgot my true name.

I am not some wonton.
Please call me by my true name -
I am “Pig”.
I wish you saw how lovable I was.
You might have given me a personal name too.
Please remember I was killed unhappily,
even as you eat me happily.
For I loved my life, just as you love yours.

I am not some nugget.
Please call me by my true name -
I am “Chicken”.
I wish you saw how lovable I was.
You might have given me a personal name too.
Please remember I was killed unhappily,
even as you eat me happily.
For I loved my life, just as you love yours.

I am not some fillet.
Please call me by my true name -
I am “Fish”.
I wish you saw how lovable I was.
You might have given me a personal name too.
Please remember I was killed unhappily,
even as you eat me happily.
For I loved my life, just as you love yours.

I am not some foie gras.
Please call me by my true name -
I am “Goose”.
I wish you saw how lovable I was.
You might have given me a personal name too.
Please remember I was killed unhappily,
even as you eat me happily.
For I loved my life, just as you love yours.

Before you order me for dinner next time,
please remember my true name.