The Donkey

When fishes flew and forests walked
   And figs grew upon thorn
Some moment when the moon was blood
   Then surely I was born.

With monstrous head and sickening cry
   And ears like errant wings
The devil's walking parody
   On all four-footed things.

The tattered outlaw of the earth
   Of ancient crooked will
Starve, scourge, 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 about my ears
   And palms before my feet.

         -G.K. Chesterton, c. 1895-98