What's My Name?

Call Us By Our True Names
The last time you ordered me for dinner,
you forgot my true name.

I am not a wonton.
Call me by my true name.
I am a pig.
I was killed unhappily,
even if you eat me happily.

I am not a nugget.
Call me by my true name.
I am a chicken.
I was killed unhappily,
even if you eat me happily.

I am not a burger.
Call me by my true name.
I am a cow.
I was killed unhappily,
even if you eat me happily.

I am not a fillet.
Call me by my true name.
I am a fish.
I was killed unhappily,
even if you eat me happily.

I am not foie gras.
Call me by my true name.
I am a goose.
I was killed unhappily,
even if you eat me happily.

The next time you order me for dinner,
please call me by my true name... if you can...
which I hope you will not... anymore.

Thich Nhat Hanh