To understand our struggle, take a close look at nature
The seed of our resistance hidden underneath, like a jutting glacier
We are not meant to be caged, like a pet inside a home
Our dignity and pride rooted with no boundaries, so we can roam
We are no different than the creature we see in the jungle
Our skills in guard managing many things without a bungle
Many believe we are different than a four-legged vermin
Yet when provoked a fire rages within, an explosive burnin’
Like an eagle perched on the shoulder, our native being stands
Tall and proud, hands beside oneself, confidence expands
Yet if opponent pushes a button that shifts security to danger
Talons grow from a closed fist to strike the eye in anger
Akin to a gorilla peacefully chewing it’s bamboo stem
We act and move like an ape with really nothing to condemn
But if something loved is secretly approached by another
We pound our chests and get ready to trounce and smother
Crawling like a tiger we mark our territory with our secretion
Dancing and singing celebrating a day’s completion
However a foe to suddenly enter our door without knocking
Our privacy shattered, we shutter a roar within so shocking
The shifty snake exists in many a ground and corner
Coiled up safe and happy it remains at home, not a foreigner
Like moving into new places, our serpent sheds it skin and position
But if questioned where it is goes, we release a venom transmission
Like a shark we enjoy the vast ocean deep water
As long as abundant food to be found, no need for slaughter
But if scarcity exists in shallow banks that cloud many
We don’t use fins to seek pounds, but jaws to find the penny
The mother bear inside of us, protecting our cub-like senses
Everything fine and dandy left alone, quiet without defenses
For any situation that surprises a threatening wound to our being
We will raise our paw, a stern warning to maul for our freeing
Similar to a young elephant calf, tied to a pole
We are conditioned to stop in time, when seconds yield unfold
Secretly brain-washed that we need to be what others want
Confusion leads to miscalculating values that later haunt
From our associations, we haven’t understood the fine line
It straddles between a sour grape and maturing fine wine
Like a beast we need space to enjoy and learn about ourselves
Yet we succumb by social pressure to move like stacked shelves
Within these movements as even a pair of friends show
Resistance grows meeting frequently, and seeds of hatred grow
For even a leashed dog that is trained to be obedient
Is still a creature of nature and can bark a storm expedient
What I am describing is the beastly side of man
A reflection from the mirror creating a negative span
Yet from this very reflection, there is also a positive side
Which all creatures have, and sits in a seed infinitely wide
We are a mammal that needs liberty and space to be alone
Associations dropped, and focus on individuality to clone
Take focus away from what others want from you
Rejoice in the liberty of seclusion cherished by the few
It’s through the seed of brightness the monster learns to be
When not tethered to the ground, it not act fictitiously
Striding free in a desert, any camel can discover an oasis
The sun guiding our way, love grows from light’s basis
Unshackle any chain that life wraps on your being
Break the bonds of the blindfold to allow your seeing
Transform your animal nature to crush the circus ring
Become like the jungle and welcome all to dance and sing