| The Kings Improbable Feast |
- I was passing through a forest
When I came upon a lion resting on my path.
"SHOO! SCAT! Be gone eater of men so I may pass."
Rising to his feet he said
"And why should I let such a tasty looking morsel pass?
And deny the speech that issues forth from my belly
In grumbling tones saying feed me?"
In fear of showing fear I spoke thus
"Your hunger is an illusion brought about by experience.
The bloodied carcass at your feet belies your need
And renders your craving meaningless."
Licking the blood from around his mouth he roared
"And what great and noble deed do you pursue
That commands me to forgo my nature and stand aside?
You appear not as a god, but only a man of tasty flesh."
I laughed aloud at this and said
"Oh great king and eater of men, no tasty flesh do I see.
For the flesh on my limbs like the thought within my soul
Has been poisoned by love lost to another."
He walked up to a tree and started scratching it with his claws
"May I ask a question while I sharpen my knives to pierce your skin?
What good then, your completing your journey through my wood,
When love lost hurries death to overtake you and rushes poison to finish its deed?"
I though a moment on this and spoke softly to him
"And you oh lord of the great wood, what council would you give
If another stole your love and left nothing in it's place?
How would you approach this encroachment on your heart?"
Surprised by his anger and tone I quickly stepped back
"FOOLISH LITTLE MAN! I am the king and lord of this domain!
None would dare do this for retribution would be swift!
I would consume his children before dining on him sucking his bones clean"
"And what of your stolen mate" I asked.
"Would you eat her as well, down to the marrow within her bones?
Could you do thus if your love for her was greater than your anger?
Or is one as great as you capable of mercy as well as strength?"
"All are capable of mercy. A gift from the creator to be used sparingly.
Even the strongest lioness will on occasion suckle the lamb
As well as be led away by another seeking to couple new strength
To assure might to blood line as has been done since time began"
"Then show me mercy mighty king and let me pass" I said half jokingly.
That I may search the woods and plains beyond the trees.
For like you I seek loves blasphemer that I may dine well tonight,
And in the morning shall carry love back to my lair.
The lion seemed to ponder my request for a moment.
"The problem I have is, mercy unseen, is mercy undone.
What good the act when none shall see my kindness
And go forth to tell others that the King is just and merciful?"
"Ahhh! A deal then I offer you lord of the Oak and keeper of the Elms shade!
Let me pass for this loves blasphemer is a man of wealth and station.
Brought up dining on sweet bread and lamb his flesh will be tasty indeed.
No method I use to dispatch him will be as fine as watching you dine on him."
"What say you again? You would bind him and bring him to my lair
And watch me render him into tiny morsels as punishment for his transgressions?
If indeed your hatred is deep rooted enough to do this I would agree.
But on condition that the woman be brought along as well to watch and learn her lesson!"
And so it was agreed that the man and Lion entered into a contract,
And the lion let the man pass and the mans mind was filled with glee.
Overjoyed that he would witness the others demise by such horrific means
He hurried with all speed through the wood and across the plains to overtake them.
The lion however went to the greatest oak in the forest to sharpen his claws.
For he knew they must be extra sharp on the morrow for what was ahead
The vision of killing and eating three instead of one filled his mind as he slept that night
And his stomach gurgled in happiness at thought of such a magnificent feast.
