African King

It's rare to see your lion face For most would stay away, Yet if you don't give me the chase, I'd see your mane like hay... Ten thousand strands of fine-formed fur Adorn your majesty... Gold ribboned bands that somehow stir My sense of chivalry. Yes, royal blood flows through your veins, Enough to warm my heart... Till I recall what vicious pains As sovereign you'll impart. African king, yet savage beast, You rule your world with fear. While in your eyes I seem the least, I'm not all I appear. For I'm a hunter, born and bred, A carnivore like you. I'll throw my spears till I get fed... Most times, my aim stays true... I've seen your glowing eyes at night, Your silhouette so close... I've seen the fearful birds take flight, As tension overflows... As long as I respect your space And you respect what's mine, We'll each survive by God's good grace And we'll both get on fine. There's room enough and game enough To live our whole lives through... So if you let me do my stuff, I'll keep away from you... copyright, Denis Martindale. The poem is based on the magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford called 'African King'.