Packing House Patriotism

The inexorable movement of the chain of death
Suddenly clunked to a halt
The  morning of September 11th, 2014.
A scratchy announcement blared
From the seldom-used intercom system.

"We are observing a moment of silence
In memory of those who died
At the hands of terrorists
Eleven years ago today in New York City."

Hog carcasses, still warm from having passed
Through the singers, polishers and showers,
Drip blood and water into the drain troughs
Steam rises from the "hot pots" that we use
To sterilize our knives in.

For a minute silence reigned
As some of us paused to reflect;
Others just enjoyed the respite from drudgery.

Then the chain began moving again.

At 10:40
The Kill Floor took their scheduled break,
Shortened by a minute on this hallowed anniversary,
To compensate for time that had been so generously
Donated by the line workers
Without their consent
To honor the dead.

Corporate America will proudly
Wave the flag and pay vocal homage
To the Nation's fallen heroes
With as much show as anyone;
Just so long as doing so doesn't slow production
Or cut into their bottom line.