The Lion Doesn'T Sleep Tonight

His eyes 
Dulled by years 
Of iron bars and cold hard ground 
Paces in circles 
Looking but never seeing 
Past the cage that holds his soul 
First one way 
Then another 

Worn, torn and beaten by time 
While those who come to look 
And gaze at this king 
Say 
What a magnificent beast 
What a beautiful animal 

But all that really remains 
Is a coat of skin 
And sad shrouded eyes 
Pacing day and night 
In never ending circles 

First one way 
And then 
Another
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Brown Avatar
September 15, 2011 at 7:31 AM
Thank you for sharing your wonderful poetry with us today CJ. Let the words continue to flow from your pen. Love, Carol
Krieger Avatar
September 11, 2015 at 3:25 PM
Thank you for your kind comment.. God Bless... CJ
Smith Avatar
September 14, 2011 at 10:08 AM
There has to be a better way. You raise a great issue and write it well.
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