On kindness to animals

They have no voice to ask us,

For the pity which they need

With shame they cannot task us

However their hearts may bleed.

 

However they despise us

For all the hurts they bear

They cannot criticize us

Or say that we're unfair.

 

We call them God's dumb creatures,

And yet we know they feel

For oft their anguished features

Their sufferings reveal

 

They cannot ask for kindness

Or for our mercy plead

Yet cruel is our blindness

Which does not see the need

 

World over, town or city

God trusts us with the task:

To give our love and pity

To those who cannot ask.

 

(Edgar A. Guest)