Once I understood the cry of the gull,



And why the hibiscus flowers for one day.



And I could sense the caterpillar’s anticipation



As he broke free from the cocoon in which he lay.



And I knew why the silkworm ate the mulberry tree,



And the tiger chose stripes instead of spots.



And I understood why the dolphin never sleeps,



And why the python tied himself in knots.



And I could speak the language of the honey bee



And converse with the grizzly bear



For I understood this infinite universe



And why I was here and not there.



But life takes away this deep comprehension



This understanding that we each have inside



Because when we try to comprehend as we are



We are all searching from the wrong side.