In the meadows and the forest and over the rising sun,
I see forms of who I want to be, and none of what I am.

The tree does not desire wealth, it has no greed to see,
It simply lives and only ever takes what it needs.
Stout and tall, and unenthralled, it speaks to me,
To, “take thee away! For you needn’t be a tree.”

Then I look forth towards the sun, making its journey west
And across it darts a dove named hope, wishing me the best.
I wish I could rise from where I am, and help the others rest.
But the sun and dove both quoth, “you needn’t take that test.”

I see a bear across the way, purpose plain and clear,
She seeks to feed her cubs today, I think her nature’s seer.
And I think it is a purpose, which I do most truly fear,
I think, “you needn’t be the bear, do not dive off that pier.”

And then I see the daffodil, beauty without bereave,
And I think within that flower I can find reprieve.
A world of utter peace is all I can conceive.
But I mustn’t stay forever, I have to take my leave.

And far above me, in the clouds, the eagle flying high!
If only I could be so proud, within the sky,
I see it within my minds eye,
But I mustn’t be the eagle, for I can never fly.

Then I peer into the river, and see my own reflection,
And for the first time in a long time, I see my own complexion.
I see the truth within my eyes, no chance of deflection.
But I mustn’t be the peerer, for first must be correction.

So I seek the rivers end, it’s contents flowing free,
And I see how maybe, that river could be me.
Allow the truth to leave my mind, upon the count of three,
First and foremost I will speak of the tree.

The tree will never seek the throne of Mammon grey,
But I need not seek it either for I am free of such dismay.
The sun will always shine at its brightest.
And maybe sometimes I should shine brightly too,
But tonight I can choose to rest.

The bear across the river, feeds her children first,
But verily, oh verily, I may first drink to my thirst.
The daffodil may never know regret,
But I am no daffodil,
So I’ll just try and forget.

The eagle may be so mighty and proud,
But I do not wish to draw such a crowd.
The river releases itself in great tide,
It’s free from the walls,
So maybe I can find somewhere to confide.

And now free at last, my reflection is clear,
Maybe not the best, but it’s the man in the mirror.
I may not be a king, or a moss piglet,
But I’m only the man,
So I’ll be the best man I can get.