The Donkey

When forests walked and fishes flew
And figs grew upon thorn,
Some moment when the moon was blood,
Then, surely, I was born.

With monstrous head and sickening bray
And ears like errant wings –
The devil’s walking parody
Of all four-footed things:

The battered outlaw of the earth
Of ancient crooked will;
Scourge, beat, deride me – I am dumb –
I keep my secret still.

Fools! For I also had my hour –
One far fierce hour and sweet:
There was a shout around my head
And palms about my feet.