If Your Tears Were Human
A Collection of Poetry for Animals in Agriculture
2nd Edition

Heather Leughmyer
Photos by Vanessa Sarges

If Your Tears Were Human: A Collection of Poetry for Animals in Agriculture, 2nd Edition, is an intensely moving and powerful collection of 28 verses written by Heather Leughmyer and paired with striking photographic images from Vanessa Sarges.

Each year, billions of land animals are raised and killed for their meat, eggs, and milk. To the agricultural industry, they are commodities, dollar signs. But to a growing number of people from all walks of life, these precious souls have purpose beyond our palates. They are unique individuals who experience pleasure and pain. They are companions, they are teachers, and they bring beauty and diversity to the planet we all share.

The poems included in this book were inspired by animals, people and events the author encountered in her activism for animals. Although she has been deeply disturbed by the magnitude of human cruelty toward these innocent beings, she has been just as deeply touched by the people who have bravely protested these injustices and who work relentlessly to make this world a kinder place. These are her heroes; the rebels, the bunny-huggers, those with the largest hearts and the softest souls. These poems honor them and the animals they serve.

ISBN: 978-1-946044-65-5 • Buy in Paperback | Buy on Kindle

About the Author

Heather Leughmyer graduated from Indiana-Purdue University with a B.A. in English Writing and Linguistics. She is a dedicated vegan, animal rights activist and animal rescuer.

Writing has been a passion of hers for as long as she has advocated for animals. By telling their stories and illustrating their pain she hopes to touch a few hearts and change a few minds with her words.

Heather is the author of If Your Tears Were Human, Adopting Adele, Brave Benny, Courageous Conner, Dandelion’s Dream, Elyse’s Escape, and co-editor of Rescue Smiles. She lives in Columbia City, Indiana, with her husband, daughter and several animal companions.

About the Photographer

Vanessa Sarges wanted to make more of a contribution to Animal Rights, and felt that there was no better way to do so than to document their lives through her photography.

She began bearing witness with Toronto Pig Save and capturing the souls who were being transported to slaughter and the brave activists bearing witness with her. Although taking those photos is both sad and infuriating, many people have contacted Vanessa to say that her photos were the turning point of their lives and that they were transitioning to a vegan lifestyle as a result.

Vanessa and Heather have been friends for many years and Vanessa has taken great inspiration from their friendship and from Heather’s profound poetry. Vanessa was honoured to be asked to contribute to If Your Tears were Human.