Had I been an ox or horse
I would rejoice to see grass and beans;
If, on the other hand, I were a woman,
the sight of men would please me.
But if I were really me
I would always settle for what I be.
If liking and disliking keep you upset
surely you are being used:
Big man, with all your dignity,
don’t mistake what you have for what you are.

translated by Jan W. Walls