He has sharp claws, sharp teeth, eyes full of fire,
Tightened muscles and a heart full of rage
That’s stunted and tempered behind his cage.
Confused. Rebel or do what I require:
Force him to suppress natural desire,
Forget his pride and jump onto the stage
To do his tricks in a public outrage
That humiliates all we admire
In him. This impotent relationship,
Absurd as Leo tamed by Orion,
Is demonstrated when I place my head
In his mouth. But he’s controlled by my whip,
Jumps through hoops, jumps over other lions,
Stands on two legs, rolls over and plays dead.