I saw some boys torturing a crow the other day. It was hurt, and they had it cornered. One of the boys held it down while the others tied up its wings and beak with some twine. They took turns getting close enough to yank a feather from one of its wings. It tried to snap at them, but it was tied too tight.
I raced down the street towards them, pushing them away from the bird. Untying it, I scolded the boys.
“How dare you torture a defenseless creature- one that’s hurt, at that!â€? I yelled.
“Aw, ma’am, we were just having us a bit of fun,â€? one said.
“It’s a crow, ma’am,â€? said another. “They’s witches pets.â€?
All the more reason not to torture one, I thought, but said instead, “Well, crows are God’s creatures as well, just like dogs and cats. It’s against his Will to hurt one. You should be ashamed of yourselves.â€?
“Yes’m,â€? some of them said, scuffing the toes of their boots against the street.
“Now, run along home,â€? I said. They looked surprisingly unremorseful, a fact which made me frown.