Monday, May 18, 2009

Not born to the narrow way

We're told to straighten up and fly right,
to walk the straight and narrow way,
to stiffen that upper lip and get in line --
so many of the messages
encourage discipline.

But I
like a cat,
was born to tense and spring;
for measured bouncing,
for elaborate spins and twirls:
how else could I deposit
the occasional mouse at your feet?

It's true:
sometimes the road narrows,
and I,
like a bird,
must pull in my wings a bit.

But I was born to soar and lift,
and to that I will return.


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