A Stolen King


(Photo via Wiki under CC  Lion lying down in Namibia |photographer=yaaaay)

We stole a king
from his kingdom
to house him
in concrete
and iron bars.

His pride now
roams planted grass
and stalking paparazzi.

We humans like
our wild kingdom
less fierce and caged
to view at our demand.



©Susie Clevenger 2013



 Written for Hannah's Transforming Friday at Real Toads

Comments

Fireblossom said…
Isn't that the sad truth? I will say, though, that zoos do help preserve endangered species, though not in a natural setting.
Karen said…
Unfortunately, this is so true! Why is it, do you suppose, that we wish to cage beauty, majesty, and power?
Laurie Kolp said…
Powerful... I like the zoo visitors as stalking paparazzi.
Kerry O'Connor said…
You make a very valid point in this piece, Susie. We like our wildlife tame and accessible.
Hannah said…
Zoos make me sad. I'm really glad you're willing to tackle the subjects that make some people uneasy...needs to be voiced.
Ellecee said…
I think we try to cage their energy for ourselves, we try to steal it,,,some of us don't realize that it doesn't work that way,,,, Enjoyed this very much,,,
Ron. said…
I, too, would prefer to see animals in their natural and open habitat...Except snakes...All snakes should be kept tightly held behind decidedly unbreakable glass, in some city far, far from me.
Arron Shilling said…

magnificent creatures: cats are amazing animals and i cant get enough of the big cats but i'll never forget seeing them crazily stalking the bars of their cages at a rundown zoo in my youth - a terrible sight . . .