When my wings have been let down
And my fins have found direction
Sharpened on their razor edges
I would make more for your promise
Keep me from the table
Do not show me to the pot
Spare me from the leopard's claws
And from the clenches of your jaws
Any of the river banks offers up a chance of catch
But to earn the mark of honour on your character
Persistence on the waning path follow and to follow
Bully for my growth and hope for what my promise holds
I would make more for your promise
Spare for my size, me
When I am outgrown of these shallow sandy banks
and you have become a patient man
I would jump onto your hand in summer time
And we would walk over water and over land
In the pleasure gardens
And I would tell of the kindness shown
By the little fisher boy in his striped cap

I would not be a treasure
I would be a friend
Spare for my size, me

When my wings have been let down
And my fins have found direction
Sharpened on their razor edges
I would make more for your promise
Keep me from the table
Do not show me to the pot
Spare me from the leopard's claws
From the clenches of your jaws
Any of the river banks offers up a chance of catch
But to earn the mark of honour on your character
Persistence on the waning path follow and to follow
Bully for my growth and hope for what my promise holds
I would make more for your promise
Spare for my size, me