Cruelty

It may be ordered, or enjoyed; 
purposed, accidental, or gratuitous.
It is never necessary.

The requirement to inflict it
may, indeed, be forced,
justified by circumstance, 
but not by law. 

And what if I act without intent? 
Or if for fun?

Conditions may need to be considered:
religion, race, age, or sex. 
Otherwise, I die.

Or if I do nothing when ordered? 

What happens then?

Might I, on refusing, be shot?

What is the law?

Cruelty is a coward’s game
regardless of chosen recipient: 
human or not.

The question is: 
how long I can live with myself
if I don’t oppose it?