The Gladiator
Blood mixed with dirt was still moist on the ground
Traces of battle were scattered around
The man entered slowly, a snare on his face
Trying to hide his contempt and disgrace
Announced by the cheers of the people above
Among all the fighters they showed him most love
Never defeated, no matter the foe
With him they all knew they would soon see a show
The man was all muscle, and seven feet tall
Compared to his size, all the guards appeared small
His skin was tanned golden, his eyes piercing green
His hair long and braided and dark with a sheen
His helmet of metal was fitted just so
His sword and his shield had a rich, shiny glow
A belt made of leather protected his waist
His greaves, thick and sturdy and perfectly laced
Suddenly silent, the crowd had grown still
Awaiting arrival, expecting a thrill
And then there was thunder, the roar of the beast
Declaring his entrance, predicting a feast
The man and the lion began in their game
Predator, prey, they both looked the same
They circled and circled and then in a blink
The cat had attacked him, so anxious to drink
They struggled together, the two locked in war
The crowd cheered them on, hoping for gore
And then he was bitten, the wound on his leg
But he would not fumble and he would not beg
He reached for his weapon so close where it lay
He would not accept this would be his last day
And just as the creature had pounced in the air
He killed the great cat with his sword and a prayer
The fighter stood up with his blood dripping down
The steel of his helmet concealing his frown
The great gladiator continued to reign
Another he killed, one more smile he must feign
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
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a
Premium Membership.
