Bull
A bull fight
Pablo Picasso, 1934
https://www.wikiart.org/en/pablo-picasso/a-bullfight-1934
Each one came in
knowing it could not win
even if it killed the matador
I saw all six
being reduced to nix
on a sunny spring day in Malaga
Witnessed by an enthusiastic crowd
moved by tradition, cheering very loud
seemingly oblivious to the slaughter
As a friend of the underbull
I wanted to pull
the wool away from their eyes
I made two suggestions
that I knew would raise questions
about my respect for a great culture
(Even though in many parts of this wonderful land
there are plenty who would share my stand
against a custom whose due date has passed.)
I suggested evening the odds
by having as many bulls in the ring as the male gods,
their murderers, who greatly outnumber them
I also advocated giving the bulls the chance
to see a fight before their prance
and learn how to go for the legs, not the crimson muleta
The friends to whom I offered these propos
reacted politely, but you could know
that I had crossed a line.
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