#meanwhile braiding sweetgrass extends this concept to a gratefulness to the land that gives us food and water and materials and so on

[unravelingwires]

Vertebrae

“Mom, this is gross,” Lilith whined.

“Have some respect. This deer,” Mom was carefully reaching into its chest to slice its windpipe, “is a living thing deserves our recognition, if nothing else. We are all equal under the Lady. Today, this deer will feed the entire neighborhood. We should be grateful.”

“It’s not as if it chose to die for us,” Lilith pointed out. “It would rather be alive right now. If we really wanted to be respectful, wouldn’t we stop eating meat?”

“Do you want to stop eating meat?”

“...should I?”

“If you want to become vegetarian, you can,” Mom said. “If you want to eat meat, you can. No matter what, we have to kill something to eat. But if you want to eat this deer, you should be able to watch me field dress it. You should know where the food we eat comes from, should know the mess and sacrifice that goes into the process.”

“This is wonderful, Mother,” Max said. “Is it chicken?”

“Quail, I believe,” Mother answered before hesitating. “Well, I’m fairly certain. We’re either having quail today or tomorrow.”

“Well, it’s divine.” Max primly took a bite, blotting at his mouth after. “The servants have outdone themselves.”