Possibilities

as his mother captures the evening meal,

and his father paces the perimeter

warning others to keep their distance from their destiny.

Natural evolvement brings learned and instinctual understanding

of that which tells him to be fearful and aware

of what lies behind and beyond the overgrown trunk ;

unknown territories and his own kingdom awaits his presence.

Curiosity and hunger urges him forward,

detangling vines and clearing a path

that will lead him to sights, sounds and smell filled challenges

that wait for him in the brush and grass covered land.

The hunt becomes part of the daily routine;

wooded areas and meadows

unfold into territorial boundaries;

the sweet fragrance of a young lioness fills the air.

The young lion’s mind scampers and grows, yet observes

waiting with anticipation for the moment

where he will pace the perimeter

warning others to keep their distance from his destiny.

Man or lion? I could easily replace the words “young lion”

with “young man”, couldn’t I?