A New Species

The Thylacine, the Caspian tiger, the Caribbean monk seal… As these beasts disappear, the most cruelty-vorous species appears. They are homologous with humans but their bearings are too brutal. Though plenty in Asia, their habitats are found in all the continents. They hold the holy books that they never read. Tender feelings are scoped out by their tamers. Empty sensorium. Even the shattered body of an infant won’t wet their eyes. They chew the cud of bloody thoughts in isolation, entranced by a heaven. First published in The Literary Hatchet (Pear Tree Press, US).