Every beast of the forest is Yours,
which means,
there where they stand –
this one I’m imagining, for example,
a stag –

As Yours, he must possess
the radiant belonging, the sense of right,
the unassailable
delight of being.
He must know for certain
that what he is
is exactly perfect
for his place and time,
that his presence
is designed and desired
and celebrated. This must exult
throughout his form and breath,
must fill him with Your power,
must halo him in peace.

©Wendy Mulhern
February 13, 2022