King of the jungle
Ruler formed by reputation into definition
A biological profile recorded somewhere, everywhere
A majestic, golden coat housing the fatal pounce
Unrelenting, bone-crushing jaws
Merciless claws dominating prey to shreds
Dangerous royal blood in his natural reign

Caged out of context
His daily hunt all but disappeared
His deafening roar all but stifled
His wild mane all but braided

Powerful limbs no longer challenged
Inertia compelled his feline stance to casual
His hunger satisfied without conquest 
His stare is less strategic
He threatens, but measured against past expectations

Does he still believe he rules?
Do I still believe he doesn’t?



B. Toner   June 2023