The Lion

By Andrew R. Duckworth

I was once roaring
Like a lion announcing my territory,
My tongue dripping saliva
Worked up over fury.
I was once the lion,
Keen on being the leader
With a majestic mane
And piercing eyes.
I showed big claws once,
Flashed my fangs
Through gritted teeth
Hiding the boy underneath.
But man does not know the language
Of the lion, and was not meant to.