My shadow leaps across the street, br And rests upon a slender tree. br It’s limbs are bent down in an ark, br By some wind song after dark. br br His arms can't grasp the moon drenched sky, br Yet I guess him twice the age as I. br Beneath this sweet metallic light, br I count each moment of the night. br br And so does he- but without haste, br As I romp and bark, then dissipate. br For my days are short, full and free, br While time- his chains, hang heavily. br br I have pondered the tree’s philosophy br “Longevity within standing still! ” br Yet an anchored life is agony br ‘Least wisdom be one’s only will. br br I’ll take his nature up one day- br For now I jump, bleed and play.