May We Learn from the Animals

May we have

the sense of humor and liveliness of the goats,

the maternal instincts and protective nature of the hens,

and the sassiness of the roosters.

May we have

the gentleness and the strength of the cattle,

the wisdom, serenity, and humility of the donkeys.

May we appreciate the need for community as do the sheep

and choose our companions as carefully as do the rabbits.

May we have the faithfulness and commitment to family as the geese

and the adaptability and affability of the ducks.

May we have the intelligence, loyalty, and affectation of the pigs

and the inquisitiveness, sensitivity, and playfulness of the turkeys.

May we learn from the animals

what we need to become better people.

~ Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, The Vegan Table