The Eagle and the Lioness

Called the lioness to the eagle,

let me fly with you

to your favorite places –

I long to see them too.

 .

Sang the eagle to the lioness,

I’ll never have you here.

You’re stuck on terra firma,

gravity has made that clear.

 .

Called the lioness to the eagle,

then nest down here with me.

You can have the highest branches

in the sapodilla tree.

 .

Sang the eagle to the lioness,

it’s teeth and claws I fear.

I’m sorry, but the sky is safe

and I must stay up here.

 .

Called the lioness to the eagle,

It’s safe here on the ground.

My paws have been declawed

and my teeth have been filed down.

 .

Sang the eagle to the lioness,

your muscles frighten me.

Just one of your embraces

and I would cease to be.

 .

Called the lioness to the eagle,

you won’t suffer my embrace.

I wouldn’t try to hold you

for I’ve given up the chase.

.

Sang the eagle to the lioness,

you’d hypnotize me then .

Your eyes have such charisma

that I’d ne’er be free again.

.

Called the lioness to the eagle,

I won’t gaze at you too long.

I could never mesmerize you

for your will is much too strong.

 .

Sang the eagle to the lioness,

then I will be your friend

in the sapodilla tree

until the sky calls me again.

 .

Purred the lioness to her heart,

we’ve won his trust this day.

She curled up underneath his wings

and hid desire away.

 .

© 1982, 2011 Betty Hayes Albright 

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