www.animalsasia.org If only I could speak (Amy-Le Owens) I have spent my life in this cage, incarceration is all I know. The bars clenched tight to my body, they are my tomb and my home. Veiled by terror and sorrow, there is barely room to breathe. To think of anything but the inevitable end would be senseless and naïve. I have seen my friends before me. I've heard their gasping breath. Dragged across the bile stained floor as they arrive at the valley of death. Inside I rage and scream, but externally I cower. For to draw attention to myself would bring closer my final hour. If this is all I'm good for, Just ceaseless, needless pain, then why gift me with a life? Why must I remain? Can't you hear our shouts for justice? Can't you hear our mournful cries? Can't you witness our fear-ridden bodies? Please God won't you open your eyes? I cannot fathom your reasons, behind this sickening game. We all feel hurt and emotions and our hearts they beat the same. People who are so eager, so willing to take a life, if the tables were turned I'm sure you too would beg them to drop the knife. You think you have right of privilege, to do with us what you please, because you have left us defenceless, begging on our knees. If I could only speak, then these are the words I would say. It doesn't take much to realise, that it should never have been this way. Give us a chance to feel safe, let us feel life's glory. Look into my eyes, gaze upon the despair and please listen to the words of my story.