Jean François Hamtramck remains in Veterans Park today.
The town that bears his name allows animal sacrifice,
Although it cannot be done in a park where children play.
Hamtramck, who battled for his country, might have thought it nice
To have some living creature brought to his grave and slaughtered
To honour his heroic service during his short life,
But the greenery around his grave will not be watered
With the blood of sacrificial lambs, because that sharp knife
Cannot be used in public, only in private places,
(Unlike the public call to prayers, which Hamtramck authorized
Before the removal of pride flags from public spaces).
Fervent multiculturalism, which the town once prized,
Took another hit when women were officially banned
In public to celebrate Mayor Ghelib’s election;
No one knows why, but perhaps they thought they would all be damned
If any of that man group was caught with an erection.
Meanwhile, some innocent Haitians in Springfield, Ohio,
Might wonder about support for animal sacrifice
After all hell broke loose when someone said they ate Fido,
No doubt in some infamous stew with Caribbean spice.
It seems religion means less than the food other folks eat.
As omnivores, most of us pay to have someone slaughter
Animals deemed appropriate to provide us with meat;
It’s the DIY part Hamtramck’s critics want to defeat.
*****
See: “Hamtramck City Council passes religious animal slaughter ordinance” by Cryss Walker, CBS News, 11 January 2026.