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
This is wonderful–what a great dialogue between the lion and the eagle. Beautifully done!
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Thank you for reading it, Bodhirose!
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P.S. Bodhirose, I’m glad you’re able to access my blog again!
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I’ve got my doubts about that lioness.
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LOL, Dennis – don’t underestimate that eagle! 🙂
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What a lovely fabel in these lines…enjoyed reading it.
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Thank you, SLP!
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Oooooh…that sneaky lioness! Loved the surprise ending to the poem!
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Glad you enjoyed it, Fergiemoto 🙂
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I have never read anything quite like it.
Wonderful story and it seems to stick to the sides of my
skull and that is okay because I like it.
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Thank you for liking the poem – glad it “sticks”! 🙂
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I love this! I’m still kind of scared for the eagle, though. Was he seduced? 😛
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Thanks, Background Story – not to worry, the Lioness is in love with the Eagle and will protect him. Hopefully. 😉
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Just love visualizing that eagle and that lion and the sapodilla tree. Curling up beneath the wings of a creature sky-bound truly helps us with our desires!
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Thank you again, Granbee for your thoughtful comment!
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I loved this…it reads like a fable and the rhythm is nice.
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Thank you, Stephanie! 🙂
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Love, and lovely…
The lion is the symbol of power and the eagle of renewed strength
What glorious peace !
Thank you
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Thank YOU for your thoughtful comment, Chacon !
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I really appreciate how different this is. Wonderfully done, creative an deep 🙂
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Thank you, Jessie! 🙂
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