Shadows of Night

I once saw a lion alive in a grave, Chewing dirt with the jaws of a heroic slave, But fight as he might he could not understand How a king could fall prey to the weight of the land. I once saw an activist nailed to a cross, Leaking blood from his wounds, growing weak from the loss, And bleed as he did he could not comprehend, Betrayal and forsaking by father and friend. I once saw a tiger gone mad in cage, Pacing back and forth, incandescent with rage, Roaring and snarling out animal hymns, As he foamed and he frothed and bit his own limbs. I once saw a patriot die on the street, In a gelignite overcoat, blown off his feet, All for some twisted preaching of hatred and fear, Spilling innocent blood of those who stood near. I once saw the difference of man and beast, At the point at which either was nearly deceased: The beast fights for life and rages for light, Yet man invokes death and the shadows of night.