The First Change
I lay down at night and close my eyes.
I drift off to sleep as the moon begins to rise.
Then there is pain, and my clothing my hands rend.
I don't understand, as my bones begin to bend.
What does this stand for, what is the meaning?
Am I awake, or am I just dreaming?
Now from my body, hair begins to spring.
Now I am deaf as my ears continualy ring.
My form is bowed as I continue to change.
My throat is raw as my voice changes its range.
What does this stand for what is the meaning?
Am I awake, or am I just dreaming?
Suddenly my flesh itself begins to boil.
And now I desire to be outside on natural soil.
Now I hear sound, as my bones all seem to crack.
And a tickling sensation as fur grows down my back.
What does this stand for, what is the meaning?
Am I awake, or am I just dreaming?
I lie there praying there won't be much more.
Then from my breast is ripped a beastial roar.
Now fangs burst forth from my bleeding gums.
My howl ends and I draw air into my burning lungs.
What does this stand for, what is the meaning?
Am I awake or am I just dreaming?
I feel my claws as they grow from my hands and feet.
Suddenly in my gut I crave the taste of blood and meat.
The pain floods my body as an overflowing bowl,
And a new rage begins to ravage my soul.
What does this stand for, what is the meaning?
Am I awake or am I just dreaming?
Now the pain is gone, and my senses become clear.
I am overcome with new scents, new things I can hear.
I stare down my sleek muzzle, past my sharp nose,
And stare with open wonder at my furred, clawed toes.
What does this stand for, what is the meaning?
Am I awake or am I just dreaming?
I bound toward the window and leap through the glass.
Unfortunitaly, this is a new form, and I fall on my ass.
Yet, I am unhurt, and get my legs under me,
Then turn to the forest, and into it I flee.
What does this stand for, what is the meaning?
Am I awake or am I just dreaming?
I spend the rest fo the night bonding with the earth.
And I revel in the joy of my new rebirth.
At the end of the night I crawl back to my bed,
And once again human, I enjoy the sleep of the dead.
I now know what this stands for, I realize the meaning.
I am now truely awake, and the past is just dreaming.
~Matthew Finch~
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