Lizard Kings

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Between two lands of mountain mist There lies the lower plain Where bone-dry desert sands exist In constant need of rain. Yet still proud creatures work and play Upon cracked earth each sun-drenched day. The leather-lizzards, long and gray, Claim ancient history Entitles them to lead the way As desert royalty; But creature discontent prevails From slither-snakes to slow pace snails. Society's contentment fails When creatures can't agree On what good governing entails Beyond democracy; The highest form of tolerance Ensures a neutral governance. Equality with permanance For creatures great and small Engenders peaceful countenance Among the creatures all. This balance must be guaranteed As peaceful coexistent's need. Each individual creature's creed Evokes complexity. Adaptive skills mark every breed With ingenuity; Sure-footed misty mountain sheep To prarie dogs who burrow deep. Each predator allowed to keep No more than is its due; So every creature then will reap Survival's gift anew Without a lizard as their king And all the discontent king's bring. Author Notes This poem is a sextet. The first four lines are written in 8/6 ballad form with an abab rhyme scheme. The last two lines are written as a tetrameter (8 syllables) rhyming couplet. The couplet rhyme is carried on to the the next stanza as the rhyme in lines 1 and 3. Hope you enjoy this inadequate nod to George Orwell