Battle Scars

The lion's eyes looked dead ahead, No smile or smirk in sight, Just sending out a sense of dread That others may take flight... Why fight if you can run away? Escape the pain and strife... Born free to see another day, Another day of life... The lion's mouth concealed his teeth, Small daggers every one, So sharp they'd cause you instant grief Before the battle's won... And 'neath his dainty-looking paws, So gentle, silky-soft, He hid his vicious callous claws In wait for those who scoffed... It's true that he had battle scars, Yet he had learnt his trade, No longer thinking it a farce, A game that lions played... One lion wins, it can't be two... One lion takes the prize! That's why he'll do what he must do... Look deep into his eyes.... Denis Martindale, copyright, June 2010. The poem is based on the magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford called 'Battle Scars'. More Stephen Gayford poems here: denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com