High And Mighty

The lion lives another day And soon it will be night. He doesn't care, for come what may, He taught himself to fight. His jaws spring open! Hear him roar! 'Beware! ' he says, 'Beware! ' High and mighty in tooth and claw, To claim the lion's share! Stand clear, if you love life at all! Stand clear and let him pass! The lion's strength helps us recall, He's in a different class... God gave him claws, God gave him teeth, God gave him hunting skills. Let others stare in disbelief, As savagely he kills. His thoughts are his, his actions, too. Let others dare to judge. Let each one hold his point of view... From his, he will not budge. High and mighty and taking pride In all that he surveys. In all the dangers he defied And conquered nights and days. To weather storms and yet survive... To hunt before death strikes... To drink again, when rains arrive... To wander as he likes... To live and love the mate he chose, New life to carry on... For even life comes to a close And he, too, will be gone. For now, he stares on his domain, Its sovereign, lord and king... His like will never come again In any living thing... The poem is based on the magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford called 'High And Mighty'.