Leo the Lion.
I’ve been in a circus, for almost five years,
I have been taught tricks, and also to fear.
The whip has cracked, and I’m told to stand,
On my hind legs, at his command.
I’m asked to jump up, onto a stool,
And obey these orders, just like a fool.
The whip has cracked, and I jump off,
The Ringmaster bows and his hat does doff.
I hear the audience, clap and cheer,
And my heart feels heavy as it’s clear,
That I will never, ever again roam free,
And I’ll be forced to stay here, in misery.
Now I’m told to strut around,
Then I drop onto the ground,
Where I roll over once, then twice,
And then again, which makes it thrice.
The whip has cracked, and up I stand,
Back onto the stool at his command.
Now I jump, through hoops, on fire,
Whilst the audience gasps, as if in a choir.
And I wonder, would they like to be,
Here in this cage, instead of me.
After my job, has been done,
I’m returned to the small cage, I can see the sun,
I close my eyes and sniff the breeze,
And imagine I’m back in the wild, under trees.
Teacher Notes
For and Against animals in circus
What a heartbreakingly sad 😢 poem. Beautifully written.