In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb

Inside the fierce beast, beats the heart of a king
No challengers come forth to contest his throne

Leisurely days spent dreaming of his pride
Ingesting meat taken down by his females
Knowing his reign ends when age betrays
Enjoying his vigor as he awaits that fate

Another, younger male, comes to call

Lying in wait while the females are serviced
Inhaling the scent of the pride in heat
Only caution stays his hunger and power
Not so when the mighty male is exhausted

Out of the bushes he rushes the fatigued king
Ultimate victory assured as challenge roars out
Though winded, the pride male answers swiftly

Like boxers they circle, searching for weakness
Incensed at the impudence, the elder attacks
Keen reflexes, the challenger moves like a ghost
Engaging the king with teeth, claws and fury

A fatal mistake, now the old king lays wounded

Limping away, weak from blood loss and pain
Already he dreams of the death that approaches
Maybe his time is over, but another will come
Behind him, the new king begins his reign
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Fraser Avatar
August 25, 2010 at 12:08 PM
Terrific Acrostic Steven. The capturing of the new kids on the block sums up the heirarchy of the prides and the sons who deisre to make a name for themselves. Many congratulations on your win in Jared's fine contest >> James
Brown Avatar
August 25, 2010 at 10:06 AM
Congratulations Steven on your win in Jared Pickett's contest "Acrostic 2". Love, Carol
Guzzi Avatar
August 25, 2010 at 4:41 AM
Interesting how many forms the acrostic layout is bringing forth, excellent story telling! I liked the use of smell as a devise, for me you would have been #1 much more depth of concept! Light & Love
Cwiak Avatar
August 24, 2010 at 8:38 PM
Great write, Steven. Congrats on your 1st place win. Dan C
Gadberry Avatar
August 24, 2010 at 5:24 PM
I saw that, Linda. And I would think about it, but I'm not sure I can get the poem done before the deadline for that contest...I like to take a few days to edit, etc....Thanks for the explanation. I figured there was a reason for it...but I'll have to go back and read it again because the parts didn't seem to work together. Later...
Sweetheart Avatar
August 24, 2010 at 4:11 PM
Thankxxx Steven.. I believe the Birds and the Bees contest may still be open.. not sure.. check the contest page.. the idea was how the poet feels about that phrase and wrote in reference to the birds and bees combined..this is why the jumping pattern... this phrase is used to indicate its time for the "talk" when children reach the maturity level to inquire of the birds and bees of life.. so the poem had to show the incorporation of all three.. luv..
Sweetheart Avatar
August 24, 2010 at 11:28 AM
Congrats Steven on your number one win in Jared's contest with this phenomenal Acrostic poem .. its content superb... enjoy with luv..
Roberts Avatar
August 24, 2010 at 11:19 AM
wonderful, congrats on your win
Gadberry Avatar
August 24, 2010 at 11:13 AM
Obviously, I should have re-read that post before i clicked..."spin to In like a Lion"...idiot me. See you all soon.
Gadberry Avatar
August 24, 2010 at 11:11 AM
Thank you all. I had originally written this poem for a May contest, giving my own spin to I like a lion, out like a lamb. I'm glad you like it. Thanks for the wonderful comments, and I look forward to the next contest. Special thanks, Jared for a First place tie! I'm flattered.
Devonshire Avatar
August 24, 2010 at 10:05 AM
Great acrostic and I enjoyed the narrative behind it very much. Well done, Steven. Love, Carolyn
Pickett Avatar
August 24, 2010 at 9:23 AM
I am shocked that Carol is the only to to comment on this wonderful Acrostic... Congratulations my friend in your three way tie at #1 with Cecil Hinkman and The Poetic Warlock with this entry... Creative and well written, good work!!!!...:JP]
Brown Avatar
August 13, 2010 at 10:19 AM
Another day of reading the many diverse poems here at the Soup. I enjoyed reading yours today Steven and good luck in Jared's contest.. Have a wonderful weekend. I need to see if I can find some inspiration this weekend. Love, Carol
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