The Joy Killer

I kill for the sake of killing,

     And not for the needful meat;

My larder is more than fulfilling,

     I’ve plenty of drink and eat.

I kill for the sake of killing,

     I kill for the sake of the feat.

I kill because in the woodland,

     There are plenty of beasts to kill;

I would make of the jungle a good land,

     I would clear it for market and mill;

I kill because in the woodland

     I can show my wonderful skill.

I kill for the joy of the killing,

     To see them stagger and fall;

The voice of the rifle is thrilling,

     The wild call answers to call.

I kill for the joy of the killing,

     And not for the larder at all.

May 20, ‘09