If I could be a pure mammal
Upon the sun-blessed earth
Then I would be a tiger
And live in constant dearth

If I could be a free-flying bird
That lives in floating sky
Then I would be a falcon,
Constantly diving to survive.

If I could be a careful insect
Who fears an empty spine,
Then I would be a honeybee,
A small piece in a grand design.

If I could be a scaly reptile
Devoid of female affection,
Then I would be a chameleon
Hiding myself for protection.

If I could be an amphibian,
Who laughs at single worlds,
Then I would be a salamander
Sneaking onto forbidden thresholds.

If I could be a splashing fish
Who is fickle and lost,
Then I would be a goby
Who seldom comes out when flossed.

If I could but be my true self,
I'm rather sure you'd see
That I'm no longer passively
Waiting for death to be free.


© 3/8/13