Shoulda Coulda Woulda

I shoulda been born a creature of the sea

A dolphin, strong and sleek would suit me

I coulda swam all the oceans of the world

And surfed and frolicked in the waves

I woulda been the fastest dolphin of the school

Don't let anyone put me in a pool

I shoulda been born a creature of the sky

An eagle with wings so wide and perched so high

I coulda soared along the mountain ridge

And built a nest of sticks and twigs

I woulda been an eagle oh so rare

And sometimes just one of a pair

I shoulda been born a creature of the jungle

A silver back gorilla with a troop so humble

I coulda lived on a mountain and foraged to feed

And slept in a nest all made out of leaves

I woulda hooted and thumped at any intruder

To scare rather than fight is always pruder

I shoulda been born a creature of the forest

A big black bear with great big claws, respect behest

I coulda climbed a tree and on honey feasted

And got fat in summer and all winter rested

I woulda been a friendly bear named Pete

Don't trap me for my fur or feet

I shoulda been born a creature of the plains

A topi, some antelopes have funny names

I coulda stood on a mound to see my mate

And run around with a bounding gait

I woulda had great horns like a lyre frame

And would never submit to being tame

I shoulda been born a creature of the dessert

A double humped camel who liked to assert

I coulda led a caravan so grand

That brought the silk trade to Samarkand

I woulda held my head slightly to the side

And plodded along with so much pride