the donkey

[desmond dillon]

     

When fishes flew and forests walked 

and figs grew upon the thorn 

some moment when the moon was blood 

then surely I was born.

   

With monstrous head and sickening cry 

and ears like errant wings, 

the devil's walking parody 

on all four footed things.

  

The tattered outlaw of the earth

of ancient crooked will:

starve, scourge, 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 about my ears,

and palms before my feet.

    

    

  by G. K. Chesterton

    .