Trapped

The old lion paces in circles around its cage. 

How I dream of letting it free.

But I cannot break down the confines of his own self-destruction.

Poor creature. I pity you.

The fields before you have no end,

green grass spreading out till it meets the sky.

Run fast and sink into some hide.

Is it too much to ask to avoid my side?

My stripes ripple in fear as you turn back.

To all you know. To all you love.

And then you run back into a life of lack,

behind bars forged in the fire of your words.

There was a time you didn't hurt.

But now each time you bite, it's where it hurts.

Yet life is easier when I pretend you do not know the sharpness of your claws.

But the oxpeckers keep on bleeding out around you. 

When will you give up your pride to be in one?

When will you unclench me from your jaw?

When will you go back to being free in this world? 

My stripes are black and blue, scars deep and white in hue... so more I dream of leaving you.