Gratefully yours

hello in there with the animal eyes
how did you get your skin to fit so tight
look at you all taut and bright
you build a good wall for such little might



oh I have been so many things
in this life alone
born again too many times to tell
always chasing after
heavens' teasing
while fleeing from the kindness of hell

events unfolding, I claim and make mine
seek continuity in what pleases me
while avoiding the rind

governed by taste
to lumber around like a bumbling bear
slitting salmon in the river
gutting beehives in the pines

the difference between me and the monkey and bear---

human human your body is soft
but your will is strong
the only creature in the forest that can change its song