I’m a vegetarian, because I believe that’s wise,
Given that meat consumption, has seen ill health ever rise.
I thought that via this poem, I would mention a few facts,
That led to my decision, and that, my decision backs.

The dental structures of humans, possess certain features,
That convey beyond a doubt, we’re herbivorous creatures.
We’re unlike the carnivores, who seek out and kill their prey,
And tear their prey to pieces, with sharp fangs that they display.

Human intestines are long, thus giving time to extract
The nutrients in plant foods, that hungry enzymes attack.
Carnivores intestines are short, allowing quick expulsion
Of decomposing, putrefying flesh; which, fills me with revulsion.

Flesh-eating animals, more hydrochloric acid secrete,
Which readily breaks down flesh; the regular food they eat.
Such acid, we secrete far less, taking longer to digest
What’s not really meant for us, hence, just trouble we ingest.

An animal that is killed, while it’s in a state of fear,
Floods its system with adrenalin, which, meat-eaters share.
This strong, stimulating agent, one’s blood pressure can raise,
And when our blood pressure’s raised, it then with our health soon plays.

When one eats an animal, they’re eating its urine too,
That’s trapped inside the kidneys, for kidneys, such passes through.
When an animal is killed, waste is halted in its track,
Which, via kidney pies and stew, one’s body will soon attack.

But it’s not just those kidneys, that harbour such toxic waste,
For each animal’s body, with urea’s strongly laced.
Urea, is the halfway stage, to becoming urine,
A toxic energy waste, I wouldn’t want added to mine.

Meat owes much of its flavour, to this toxic waste produced
By muscles that when active, cause such waste to take up roost.
Urea, urine, and uric acid, are poisons to avoid,
Otherwise, given time, friend, you will see your health destroyed.

In the liver, or fatty tissue, of creatures folk eat,
Are many harmful elements, too many to here repeat.
Meat-eaters eat in minutes, what’s collected over years,
Hence why sooner or later, ill health painfully appears.

Many diseases, are transmitted, from animal to man,
Which lack of care and hygiene, epidemically can fan.
BSE [mad cow disease], and the terrible ‘Bird Flu’,
Are warnings that need heeding, lest worse situations brew.

Animals, and animal products, are making folk sick,
Hence why a non-flesh diet, is a better one to pick.
Why invite: high blood pressure, arthritis, atherosclerosis,
Gallstones, heart disease, cancer, or osteoporosis.

Yes, I’m a vegetarian, and have been so for years,
Despite some opposition, some pressure, or some jeers.
I’ve seen so many people, whose great love for meat has led
To many years of misery, and their last days spent in bed.

We welcome your comments:

Painting by Mary T. Hoffman - God's Creation in Art

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