Humanity's Vanity Poem by Francie Lynch

When I'm not content
In my skin,
I identify with
My animal kin.
I think outside
The box,
Can be as sly
As the fox,
Sturdy as the ox.
I'll be resilient
As a rat,
Or purr and prowl
As a cat.
I'll be small
Like flies on walls,
Avoiding webs
Of sirens' calls;
Be as stubborn
As a mule,
Laugh like hyenas
Or a fool;
Should I lack
Self-confidence,
The owl allows
Me more sense.
Once she goaded
Me to fight;
But I used
My deer in lights.
At times I'm gentle
As a lamb,
Or slippery as an eel;
And if I find you need hope,
I'll be tethered like a goat.
If I don't get my share,
I'll be grumpy like the bear.
If I want to share my share,
I'll feed you like
Birds of the air.
Should you find
Your world callous,
I'll share the milk
Of human kindness.
I'll spread my wings,
See me soar,
And claw my way
Back to humanity,
Using all my sapient vanity.