I thank you for the animals,
for little birds which sing,
for dogs and cats and butterflies,
the simple joys they bring.
I love to scratch a canine’s ears,
to stroke a feline’s back,
and you designed and made them all.
Of life there is no lack.
And even this meagre delight,
you made them good to eat.
Be fish or fowl or beef or pork,
they’re wonderful as meat.
I love them all for they are yours—
our being comes from you—
so thank you God for what you are,
existence, pure and true.
Tale Told 