The Donkey By G K Chesterton

When forests walked and fishes flew 

And figs grew upon thorn, 

Some moment when the moon was blood, 

Then, surely, I was born.

With monstrous head and sickening bray 

And ears like errant wings— 

The devil's walking parody 

Of all four-footed things:

The battered outlaw of the earth 

Of ancient crooked will; 

Scourge, beat, deride me—I am dumb—

I keep my secret still.

Fools! For I also had my hour— 

One far fierce hour and sweet: 

There was a shout around my head 

And palms about my feet.