The Pride of Benjamin
Wounded by the keris*,
the son of the jungle
let out a mournful howl
in this epic battle.
The pride of Benjamin:
he tossed his flaming locks
as steel ripped through his flesh
and blood dripped on the rocks.
As the daylight faded,
he struggled to break free
from the piercing shouts of
the hunters’ giddy glee.
Salt tears clouding his eyes,
the orphaned lion king
stood — towering — alone,
bereft of any kin.
His mane was gleaming like
the rays of setting sun,
burning their last embers —
just like the jungle’s son.
He trembled violently,
face grimacing in pain,
and roared one final time
while tossing his proud mane.
As the lion king collapsed,
the earth shook to its core:
in living he stood tall,
in dying — all the more.
© Joey L., 2019. All rights reserved.
*keris: an asymmetrical dagger, originating from Indonesia
