Taking Pleasure in the Dead (a tale of taxidermy)
Published in
Oct 2, 2020
Stuff its body,
replace its eyes,
it’s yours forever now.
But how can you possibly
take pleasure in the dead?
Remake its wings,
reconstitute its skin,
give it a life-like resemblance
fur, teeth and feathers
can all be replaced
the eyes being the only give-away
‘Oh god, it looks just like him!’
Put him in the car back window,
where he always used to sit.
Put him on the perch at home;
glue him on, a perfect fit.
No mess is made,
no food to buy,
he’s a permanent fixture now.
No fear of his escape or loss,
for he can no longer walk nor fly.
But how can you take pleasure
in the body of the dead?
‘He’s still with us now!’
just let him go,
he’s dead.
