POEM

I would like to be a tree but you would cut me down.

I would like to be a river but you would build a dam.

I would like to be a bird but you would poisin what I eat.

I would like to be a deer but you would shoot me for my meat.

I would like to be a fish but you would catch me in your net.

I would like to be a coyote but you would want me for my skin.

I would like to be a grizzly bear but you would kill me because I'm rare.

I would like to be a flower but you would pick me to take home.

I would like to be what I am.

Is there any hope for that?

by...Nancy Wood (American Indian Poet)