Poetry: The Barbary Lion

As I work on improving my poetry, I’ve decided to post this one as I am finally satisfied with it (and have absolutely no idea what to do with it).

I used the photo above of the last known picture taken of The Barbary Lion before extinction as a muse, as that photo lives in my head and I think of it often.

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The Barbary Lion

(By S.A. Ernster)

“Prints of time left in his wake

Steps of beauty, fury— Both.

A mane of dark and long with length

A primal roar that has man shake.

He treads high and he treads low

He is pride, power— Both.

From the Atlas to the coast

“Must you hunt me so?”

Weightless crown returns to root

Nature’s cry becometh mute.

A final roar— A monarch’s grace

Only tale left in his place.