A pebble, rough and brown.
I gather the earth around me,
as I wake, slowly changing.
Growing wings and tail, taking shape.

I stretch my wings, gently roaring.
The earth reverberates, alerting to my presence.
I protect those that I can, those that cannot defend themselves.
Those that have no where else to turn.

My price, I leave up to you to pay.
All I ask is for you to stand,
stand against your fears, your strife.
To stand up and roar with me.

I am asked to protect precious daughters,
to safe guard the deepest of secrets.
I am asked to watch over dogs, and cats,
even to guard the premises of empty mansions.

People turn to me, asking me.
For help, for advice, for entertainment.
Taking for granted my strength,
never paying attention to my wounds...

I am a protector, I am a guardian.
But even I need help,
help to overcome the pain.
The fear of failure, the fear of success.

People place their hopes and dreams,
their problems and worries.
on my shoulders. That precious cargo.
Dragging me down, crushing my wings.

Plummeting from the sky I cherish,
I roll onto my back, protecting my charges.
To the very last.
I hit the ground, shattering into infinite chips.

At least they are safe,
the hopes and dreams.
I am content, reduced.
A pebble, rough and brown.