Lion!

The lion's share, that's his alone, The others stand in line, Because some things he won't condone, That's why he's first to dine... With all eyes watching till he's done, For none dare intervene, For each knows few beneath the sun That ever were so mean... The lion's known for awesome strength, His stature's good as gold, From head to tail, observe his length, A wonder to behold... And yet, let's not forget his roar, It's heard from miles away, Yet fear seems what his roar stands for, To keep the rest at bay... For he's got rivals near and far, Perhaps as strong as he, Alone, of course, he proves the star And full of bravery... But with each challenge, scars persist, Who knows if he will win? And yet as long as hopes exist, That lion won't give in! Denis Martindale, copyright November 2015. Poem based on a magnificent wildlife painting, by artist Stephen Gayford. Google-search gayfordgallery and 'Stephen Gayford poetry'.