Mercy Killing Poem by Bishnupada Sethi

I have seen the goats
Well fed, nourished and washed,
Before being led to the altar
Near the seat of a merciful goddess
For their sacrifice,
In an ambience created for purity
Amidst the chant of holy men
The sounds of conch, cymbals setting the tune.

I know about the accused
Being sent to the gallows
Only after the injuries embalmed
And allowed to heal completely.

I have also read
About millions of hungry men being fed
Out of the relief received from the rich
To be pounded with bombs, later.

And the debate goes on to minimize the pain
At the time of taking away lives!

An injured prisoner of war
I am receiving the best care,
After losing my grounds to you
Or, as the simplest of animals
I confuse with scent in the air
And I have received your charity
Which makes me feel better than earlier.

However, the question winks in my eyes
If the pain would be minimum?