As far as the eye could see
the pelts were stretched out
like washing on a line
drying in the hot summer sun.
Soon they would be collected
carried off to the tanners
then to a factory in Asia
where fine coats for fine ladies would be made.
Colours added, skins shaped
the identity of the beast
who once wore it,
lost forever.
Whether for fashion or warmth
the beast who gave up his life and skin
need not have suffered
could have lived.
But commercial interests
outweigh natures needs.
what to do
when no furry beasts exist.
Morpethroad 
I wore a real red fox for years – then when it became unfashionable I tucked it away, then threw it out as I learnt how these animals were killed, just to make us look pretty. What is with that concept, that we have the right to end an animals life to beautify our bodies…to hell with that I say. Hope this brings up discussion and well done bringing out the topic in your writing 🙂
Thanks Jenny, I agree with you that the whole attitude to animals and their fur has to change.
You are welcome. Thankfully I think the ‘trend’ of wearing real fur has passed,the faux fur they have now – much more user friendly.
I agree. we have two fur coats in our prop room at school hand me downs but very authentic looking.
Such a sad reality. The cost of fashion is much too high, especially when it is animals that pay the price. You express this so well in your poem.
Thanks Cubby, once again you write me very encouraging comments, thank you.
Yikes…I have always been anti-fur so this made me cringe. Very good piece and your art made me think of a quilt. Still waiting to see you use paint. 🙂
Thank you Anja, and remember I am a poor pensioner these days..
An important message brought home very effectively!! 🙂 🙂
Thanks Helen. Have a good day.
This was very vivid and made for uncomfortable reading. But I think that’s a good thing given it’s such an important topic and one to tackle head on rather than shy away from.
Thank Pooky, I have to admit the drawing came first and reminded me of the images of hundreds of skins drying in the sun. Thanks for the great comment.
I love how you have images to go with your poetry. I wish I had a talent for art. I’d particularly like to be able to illustrate my kids’ poems!
Look closely Pooky, I don’t have a lot of talent either, unlike my now famous son, but I receive a lot of encouragement from a friend to try my hand at it, so I am, but I have mixed feelings about what I do. Give it a go, see what happens.
Good message.
Some fashions are overrated. Fur would be one of them.
So true RoSy, thanks for the comment.
Great poem Michael! Fur has never appealed to me.
No me neither. Thanks for reading Gabriella.