does the rose feel regret
that its perfume is so sweet
is the thorn remorseful
over its sting
will the rooster hang its head
in shame for waking you
can a weed excuse itself
for invading your garden
does the deer hide,
shamefaced, after eating your tomatoes
is a caterpillar contrite
for nibbling the cabbage leaves
nature does not apologize
for its wonder
and are you not, as you are
sweet, twisted, noisy, quiet
part of that wonder
