I Am a Lion

I am a lion
Golden-maned, untamed
Ruling the savanna

I am a pirate
Burying jewels, drawing a map
X marks the spot

I am a frog
Sleek green, water-sheened
Leaping from puddle to puddle

I am a northern warrior
Eyes alive, ears alert
Listening for the snap of branches

I am dandelion fluff
Feather light, taking flight
Spinning on a puff of wind

I am an engineer
Collecting sticks, selecting bark
Building a hideout deep in the park

I am a balloon
Cloud-drifting, dream-lifting
Untethered

I am a kid —
But only until I step outdoors