Reincarnation

In their world, in their first lives,
They had no imagery
For themselves that weren’t bodies

Of the particular kind
In which everyone emerged
As their bodies were growing.

It was strange to find themselves
In unrecognizable
Bodies, then, not only since

They were new and different
From their previous bodies,
But as these were not bodies

They had ever seen described.
In fright, they would drag themselves
Into corners and shadows

Where they hoped they were not seen,
And then examine themselves
In wonder and in horror,

Asking, what is this, or this,
And what are these? Is this us?
Are we monsters? What are we?