The Council Of The Animals

(. . .)
“Let’s not be driven by rage and other
Miserable emotions, Brother Hippo!”
Said the Horse. I do not mean to play
The Devil’s advocate, but as you all must know,
The Vibrations of Sound attract the Vibrations
Of Light! Hatred is a deadly poison!
To accept its rule is like building
A chain of endless destruction, and consent
To be submitted to it! Despite some unavoidable
Grief or resentment, the best way to cope with
Humans, still is, I believe, to march
Along with them, rather than fight them!
Won’t you all agree with me?”

“That beats all!” replied the Donkey, braying
Forcefully. “Do you mean that you’ve already
Forgotten how they’ve lacerated your flanks
During the thousand years of domestication,
Of saddling or training, you had to endure?
Did you ever see them at all times, nurse you
In your old days in return? Hardly ever, dear!”
(. . .)