His Highness

To some, he stands a fiercesome beast, Ferocious like a storm... To some, he stands a royal priest, With holy heart so warm... This lion leads the way ahead That others dare not go... Yes, he has stood where few would tread, How else to overthrow? This lion lingers for a while So everyone can see Behind that smirk, behind that smile, There's awesome majesty! This lion is no easy mark, No victim for the prey... His passions need no match to spark To stir him on his way! This lion leaps ten feet and more, With great agility... To make you tremble to the core At your fragility! This lion rules his vast domain, Without your sage advice! Outlasting sorrow, pleasure, pain, In truth, he's paid the price! What have you done that could compare With conquests that he's known? This lion's earnt the lion's share... It's his and his alone... The poem is based on the magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford called 'His Highness'. The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here: denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com