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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