A Nature Poem... By Katie Bachelder

  --  In Which Dog Remembers a Past Life:
Dog, crash through the undergrowth in exuberance.
Smell all, hear all, see all, and remember --
Not in your mind, but in your very bones.
Some things stay in the genes forever.

  --  In Which Beaver Builds His Home
Build your walls and your roof, beaver,
And don't let your neighbors tear it down.
For with the change in scenery
Comes a determined promise of permanence.

  --  In Which Fish Dreams of Clarity
Swim through the murky waters, little fish,
And dream of breathing easy. But keep your eyes closed,
For the river is not what it used to be
And reality may shatter any hopes of dreams.

  --  In Which Raccoon Decides to Diet
Scuttle out into a world of concrete
And know that here, at least, food is abundant.
Yes, raccoon, this is not where you belong,
But "belonging" must change to suit survival.

  --  And In Which Sparrow Feels Mighty
Look down at the world below, sparrow,
And marvel at the smallness of it all.
But should you focus on it too long, little bird,
You will find there are other beasts in the sky.