What’s in a Man

Who among you knows strength?

I, roars the ape

I, who can mash any danger,

Who can beat any foe

I know strength

I, rumbles the hippo

I, who can crush any in my mouth,

Whose powerful teeth deter all

I know strength

No, I, says the man

I, who will go to any length

I know strength

Who among you knows loss?

I, squeaks the dolphin

I, who hold my children

When they leave me

I know loss

I, trumps the elephant

I, who unmarked graves pass

And cry for those who left

I know loss

No, I, says the man

I, who erects a cross

Overgrown with moss

For those time has tossed

I know loss

Who among you knows love?

I, purrs the cat

I, who licks my darlings clean

And holds them close

I know love

I, howls the wolf

I, who only has one mate

And will spend my life with them

I know love

No, I, says the man

I, who lets fly doves

To my single beloved

I know love

Who among you knows loyalty?

I, barks the dog

I, who will protect master

To my dying breath

I know loyalty

I, neighs the horse

Who will carry master

To the ends of the earth

I know loyalty

No, I, says the man

I, who devotes self in entirety

I know loyalty

Who among you know lies?

Together, the animals cry,

What is a lie?

But with downcast eyes, the man whispers

Not I