The Old Warrior

As ancient as his old bones felt, The lion stood his ground And though their king, not one had knelt, Nor by such signs were bound... He was their sovereign, master, lord, He had the upper hand And that was why he stood assured, The ruler of this land... As long as might was on his side And courage in his heart And still protector of the pride, He stayed and played the part... For Nature gave him all he owned, Permitted him this day, As if presenting him enthroned, The king they must obey... Dissenters stood both left and right, The groaners, wounded still, Because he fought with all his might, As if it were God's will... But God would choose another king, This week, this month, this year And for the taking, everything, This lion held most dear... Denis Martindale August 2016. A poem based on the magnificent wildlife paintings by Stephen Gayford. Google-search phrases gayford prints and 'Stephen Gayford poetry'.