Produce sits within my wooden bowl
Carrots and potatoes from seed I sow
A *tap* *tap* *tap* echoes as I dice it
A *rap* *rap* *rap* revealing an errant rabbit

I welcome the Hare with a smile
As I slice the vegetables all the while
The Hare tips the bowl over to eat
Its beady eyes staring in response to my greet

"Why do you cut these so?"
"It is pointless; to the stomach it all goes."
"It is the Law of Nature to consume."
"You should obey it without the fluff, I presume."

"Aye, it is a Truth for all life to follow that trend."
"However, I merely enjoy this path to that end."
"The Law is satisfied. That is what's important."
"Efficiency has no bearing on this constant."

With a walk of purpose and a flick of my blade
I go to bleed the body of the Hare I slayed
Quick work to sever the meat from its bone
A chewing sound interrupts the flint and stone

I again smile at the Fox's arrival
As I know it does this for survival
I gather the remaining bits of rabbit few
To toss into my bubbling stew

"I know you heard me enter."
"Why did you let me eat some of your dinner?"
"It is the Law of Nature to consume."
"You should seek to follow it fully, I presume."

"Aye, Life is a fractal of consumption."
"However, this Truth does not forbid moderation."
"The Law is satisfied whether we eat one or twenty."
"At least this way, there's plenty."

A hum drifts from my lips as I portion the meal
Anticipation for my last guest, one who doesn't steal
A *crunch* and *grumble* heralds its entrance
The chair *creaks* at its capacitance

I gladly welcome the Bear this time
Its muzzle stained with fennec gore and grime
The air warms with an arrogant snort as I open my tun
Pouring out a mug of mead for me, and the Bear one

"Look at all this time, hours away you threw."
"All for fermented honey and a brew?"
"It is the Law of Nature to consume."
"You should work to fulfill it quickly, I presume."

"Aye, it is a Truth to eat and be eaten."
"However, through preparation can flavor heighten."
"I spent this time, as all Sapients do, for the taste."
"In that regard, I do not view this as a waste."

"Waste it is still. Flavor has no functional use we could reap."
"Understand. I too enjoy honey, but only for energy to fuel my sleep."
"Seek not what is pleasant to your tongue."
"Seek what is necessary to live healthy and long."

Taking a seat on the table bloodied
The Bear glares at me with a look studied
I slide the mug towards its large form with a grin
"I'll take it you don't want to try it then?"

Penned by my hand on the 14th of Phaestian, in the year 833 AF.