Ashamed of my species

Yet another example,
  let me tell what I know.

Two fourteen and older,
  just for fun,
    light a tortoise on fire,
     and then stomp on it,
       breaking its shell,
         and,
           yes,
             killing it.

Pranks by young boys?
  No.
    Both were female.

Why do I mention that?

Because it doesn't matter anymore.
  Doubt it mattered before.

This was an act of cruelty.

An act of entertainment.
  Yes,
     they filmed it.

I remember times with the magnifying glass,
  shining on the ants.

Still,
  damn.

You sick little b*****s.

Reviews

[Aethereal]

How we treat other species is indicative of how we treat each other, and Space Ship Earth. We are an addictively self destructive species. It’s my hope that our species self destructs before it has the ability to harm peaceful alien civilizations on other planets. It’s a good thing that we are limited by the speed of light since otherwise there would be human caused Star War type species annihilations all over our galaxy.

[Jon Roggie]

We still have the potential. Giving up hope will only lead to the bad times.

[Aethereal]

But if we don't have the potential, then we must self destruct so as not to harm any other species that has that potential. There must be millions of Earth like planetary civilizations in our universe who deserve a chance to develop their potential for peaceful coexistence without interference from decadent species who choose violence over diplomatic elocution. Nature scatters a million seeds to the wind in the hope that one shall sprout, all the others are forsaken to the sure probability of the One. We shouldn’t be mixing combative belief system radicalism with scientific weapons of mass destruction.

[potato]

Very good writing,but,this makes me angry. How could people be so sick to do this?!?!?!?!

[Jon Roggie]

Thank you, and I can't even answer how people could do something like this. Even if we do it to each other, which is another thing I am unable to answer.

[Matching Socks]

Wow, this makes me angry. Are you kidding me?

[Jon Roggie]

Unfortunately, no. The species of tortoise is even endangered. Hopefully, the video has been pulled, and the two girls, one 14 the other 18, are being charged. Sad times.

[Matching Socks]

I feel sick...

[Lyn Anderson]

I really love this poem. Cruelty is cruelty. And yes, it is important to mention they are girls. Serial killers come in the "fairer sex" too -- they are usually just smart enough to blame a man.

[Jon Roggie]

I think the most disturbing part was the filming. Reflects a mindset which seems to common. Thank you for the words.

[Lyn Anderson]

These kids are so detached from reality now. They film gang rapes at parties, I guess it is to be expected. Are we really that far from movies like "The Purge" and "Running Man" coming to pass?

[Jon Roggie]

Prime time pay to view. Since you brought up "Running Man", King's book is even bleaker, but a better ending. Read "The Long Walk" if you haven't ran across it.

[Lyn Anderson]

Oh, of course, I read it first. I am a little Stephen King obsessed. I have pretty much all of them. It's the only thing I collect. Currently reading Dr. Sleep.

[Jon Roggie]

Try his son's books. Joe Hill. They make a bit of a wink at each other with Dr. Sleep and Hill's NOS4A2.

[Lyn Anderson]

oh, cool, thanks for that. BTW, after loving this poem so much, I forgot to remind you, it's is its when it is possessive.:)

[Jon Roggie]

No problem. Thanks for the catch! I can't help slip once in awhile!

[Lune]

I really enjoy the last line.
Cruelty is terrible, no matter who you are.

I find this poem relate able and clear.

[Jon Roggie]

I happened to see this in the news. It sickened me. Best way I could think of to get the taste out of my mouth.

[Skai Rain]

To be honest, you and I would get along well. There are so many time I state that I am ashamed of my own species. The things we do compared to other creatures on this planet is nothing less than sick and twisted. This poem was well written. Thank you for sharing.

[Jon Roggie]

I am often disgusted with our race, but I do maintain hope. If we can notice there may be a chance of making a change. Granted, we will be paddling upstream. Thank you.