Derived from a Puppy

Every night, after the children sleep
I discuss matters with their mother.
Yesterday, I happened to broach the issue:
“How can we live as whelps
among these dogs, foxes and monkeys?
I will turn into a strong and big tiger.”

With a jubilant and loving look
she smiled at me;
fetching her children’s colour pens
she removed all my clothes, laughing.
Then drew upon my chest
belly, face, eyes
varied shades and stripes
all over my body.
Removing her gingham wrap
she also planted a tail on me.
“Tomorrow when we get up
spring out as a big tiger,”
she said in a tender voice,
kissing the lobe of my ear
and then covered me with her petticoat
which had no underwear beneath.

Sleeping under those lukewarm sheets
I practised austerities
like an ascetic throughout the night.

As I got up
I parted the clothes from my face.
Oh what joy, my wish has been granted:
I found my goddess before me.
With a hint of a smile she said:
“Growl and let out a roar, darling,
go and catch deer and elk
just like your peers.”
With a proud swagger before a woman,
growling until my veins stood out
I roared with all my might,
jumping headlong out of bed.

What’s this!
What’s happening?
My throat only emitted
a “miaow, miaow” like a cat.
My lady
glared at me with contempt.
Uttering “Go away, I don’t like you at all”
she chased me out with a broom.

That is why I’ve come running
to hide among you, my friends.

Derived From a Puppy

Derived From a Puppy