I have tried to understand
what it takes to be human—
but then I realized
something magnificent.
It doesn’t take anything
out of the ordinary—
but the head upon
your shoulders,
and the breath
that you breathe;
perhaps even your mind,
and the uniqueness
of your memories.
The words that you say,
and the bonds that you make
with humans—other people—
who are just like you.
And now I realize that
it isn’t any different
from being a house cat,
or a stray dog;
an adorable mouse,
or an ugly rat.
It is the fact
that we share a world—
together.
And sometimes,
we forget that.
But we shouldn’t.