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