We can use it as a resource for our English class. We'll tell the students that it was written by a girl their age, have them read it once, and then brainstorm the message Rachel wants to convey through the poem. Next, we'll ask them to underline any words they don't understand, and together we'll try to find their meanings. We'll read it a third time, all together, and translate it paragraph by paragraph. Finally, we'll have a short discussion about respecting animals.
This activity not only fosters an interest in poetry and helps learn English, but it can also promote respect for animals.
Mommy, I thought
By Rachel Hamill
Mommy, are we supposed to kill?
Mommy, that gives me a chill!
Mommy, are we made to suffer?
No, child we aren’t made to suffer.
But mom, look at the calf!
It looks as if she’s being cut in half!
Mommy, but why does this have to be?
Mommy, I do not see.
All I see is the killing here.
Oh no mom! They’re slaying something so dear!
Why don’t they run mom, don’t they have a choice?
No child, they don’t have a choiceMommy, I prefer to see the animals free.
Mommy, I want to see the animals happy.
I want them out of harm and misery.
I like to see them running mom, running for joy and glee.
I like to see them warm and at home where they are supposed to be.
Mommy, look at that rabbit!
Mommy, this cruelty has become a habit.
Oh mommy! Look at its eyes!
Mommy, don’t they hear his painful cries?
Oh no mom! Look at that cat!
Oh mommy! Did us humans do that?
Mommy, did it do something wrong?
Did that suffering monkey long for the pain?
Oh Mommy, you are struggling to answer.
Oh child, don’t you see?
That pup and cat are testing our beauty cream.
Mommy, I thought their life was more important.
Oh child, you’re being silly. Animals are very different from us.
But mommy, I thought animals were our friends.
Well, they are child, they are our friends.
Mommy, am I supposed to treat my friends like this?
Mommy, I don’t think my friends would like to be treated like this.
Oh, child….
Yes mommy?
You have taught me so much.