Thanks Gill Halpin for writing this poem and Kat for the sketch of Cecil.
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Cecil the Lionheart
Hwange National Park was my heaven on earth
On the dusty warm ground my lioness gave birth
Happy and contented we looked after our brood
Our only consideration was searching for food
We idled our time looking up at the sky
Watching sunshine and stars passing us by
I was a family man and that completed my life
For I couldn’t foresee my family’s strife
We prowled, and growled and we lazed in the sun
Never giving a thought for a man with a gun,
This day we were hungry; I had a family to feed
I am the king; and it’s my job to lead
Suddenly, there was a scent I couldn’t resist
Not realising, I was being lured in to a tryst
I bid my farewell to my cubs and lioness
With a promise on my return, of a meal and caress
I am not sly, wicked or cruel
I didn’t understand, man lived by another rule,
Suddenly the pain in my body was intense
I had been shot with an arrow, I had no defence
For a day and a half, I ran and I ran
My brave heart was weakening, as I was chased by a man
I was exhausted and still, I could run no further
The deed was about to be done, there was going to be a murder.
This was my heaven, where my family and I thrived
I am dead; I wished I had survived!!
My name was Cecil!