Metamorphosis

I could defend the importance of

A mouse's squeak

A dog's bark

A duck's quack

A lion's growl

Purr

Hiss

Meow.

But is that really what they say?

Or is it our translation?

Our metamorphosis

Our transformation into words

Of what we call the sounds of nature

Of what we name, label, categorize

To make sense of our place and that of others.

To be human

To be humane

Is to share this earth.

Through the power of language

It is up to us

To defend our importance

To excuse our actions

To articulate our evolution

To ask for forgiveness.

But if I had to choose,

I would say the most important noise is the sound of a butterfly's wings as it flits away.

The sound of air

Mimicking each breath

Each heartbeat

Each peaceful moment of existence, light and free.