Take Over

For weeks now the two young males had been watching,
waiting for their opportunity and now it was time.
They were now strong enough to take over the pride.
Signalling his intent to his brother Moto stood up
and started forward with Javier following behind.
As the reached the pride a battle royal ensued
The lionesses desperate to drive them off knowing
if they succeeded vast changes would occur.

Far in the distance Soto heard the roars and growls
as the take over ensued and rushed to protect them.
The fight was long and hard with some fatalities.
Soto received wounds that would take months to heal
as he was banished by the brothers, his life now as an outcast.
Luckily for him Zanidar joined him with her cubs of nearly a year old
She and they would  keep him fed as he slowly healed.

Back at the pride the brothers set about their gruesome task
all the cubs were hunted down and killed without mercy.
Now the lionesses would soon be ready to mate again 
and it would be their blood that the offspring would bear
perpetuating their line and increasing the size of the pride.

Life in the African Savannah was always cruel and hard
the brothers would face many challengers in their time.
Food always an issue once the migrating herds moved on.
Now a time of little the pride suffered and grew weaker.
The only saving grace was the buffalo not without their risks.
Valiant fighters who protected each other forming a ringed barrier
around the more vulnerable, ready to fight to the death.

With very young cubs the lionesses needed food to feed them
and desperation drove them on, finally they made a good kill
none would go hungry for a few days. In the distance the clouds
gathered rain falling far up country at last reaching them and
with the rain the vast herds once more returned and life teemed.

Now was a time of plenty and the pride recovered their health.
For seven years the brothers ruled supreme yet in the background
there were many waiting their own time. Two males in particular
Janto and Batso sons of Soto watched and waited eager to take over
until at last it was their time and turn to roust the pride males.
And so the never ending cycle started again until the next time.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Dietrich Avatar
March 4, 2015 at 11:00 PM
thanks for letting me know you had one like this that I never saw. Is this your favorite kind to write. It reminded me of when I went a few years ago to a movie, I think a Disney production, and it was all about cats, the lions, tigers, etc. and their struggle to survive. It was so interesting. This makes me feel like it was inspired by that movie!!
Hamilton Avatar
March 5, 2015 at 12:19 AM
I do love writing about Africa and its wildlife so many stories but no not inspired by the film you saw do you remember what it was called? I just write my own reflections about my years out there and things I saw glad you enjoyed it hugs
Mcdaid Avatar
October 28, 2014 at 7:11 PM
really excellent pen linda enjoyed the beauty in this excellent pen dear pal
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace