The Lion, Panthera leoLeopold by name, Leopold by nature,The King of beasts unquestioned.Yes, Tiger you are bigger and fiercerBut strangely I have had more mates,Must be my wondrous maneOr musky scent,Perhaps because I let them serveAs is their want and need,Whilst admiring lazily.The Lion, Panthera leoI was nocturnal, I liked the darkMy females stalked so patiently.They served me supper and pleasureEqually important to my health,See my lustrous shining coatWicked glinting claws,They manicured and tested thoseWith such manifest joy.Under my tutelage.The Lion, Panthera leoHear My roar, now a whisperWorldly wise and mannered.No purpose now in bellicosityPosturing and self-import,Empires crumble doubtlessPast Sovereigns evaporate easily,As did in nursery rhymesCharacters without foundation.The Lion, Panthera leoLeopold by name, Leopold by nature,King of beasts by invitation.Pedestalled high on marble baseIn danger of lightheadedness,Comfortable enough enthronedUpon good solid foundations,Through your diligent burnishingFully refurbished and glinting.
The Lion, Panthera leoPast erased, present illusive,Banished despot on a sterile island.Prince without princessFable without end.