Growth Rings

When I was a leopard, I knew how to love
To laugh and to dance and to cry
When I was a leopard, I knew how to live
Without ever wondering why

When I was a wolf, I learned how to think
To question all that I had known
When I was a wolf, I learned how to hate
And reap what my anger had sown

Now as a rabbit, I try to transcend
To see in all things their true wealth
Now as a rabbit, I try to forgive
First others, and later myself

And when one day I am leopard again
I'll know how to laugh and to cry
I'll know how to love and to hate and forgive
And know that there's no reason why

--Tonin, May 15, 2015