Surplus to Requirements

Marius stands impotent.
His delicate neck
cranes high into the sky.
Behind, his family wait
in regimented lines.
Motionless; conditioned –
Helpless.

Beneath them all, the world
carries on
as Marius
awaits
his fate.

Some will stop and gaze,
watching the spectacle
so they can say
“I was there,”
machines held aloft
as they film.

Others turn their heads
in disgust –
How did it come to this?
A finely crafted creature
reduced to decoration.
Merely a surplus on the ledger.

The beating heart
grinds
to a halt
as Marius falls
crashing to the ground.