A Lion Poem by Alexander Shaumyan

A Lion

A lion's heart is full of pride,
A lion's eye is full of visions,
A lion cub will always hide
If you make fun of his ambitions.

But if you ever see him just--
He is intrepid with his roar,
When every moment is a must,
Toward his target he'll soar.

He'll attain a regal end,
To which not many can aspire--
His love of life is truly grand,
Imbued with strength of his desire.

I saw a lion in a dream,
He beckoned me toward his throne,
And then I saw myself in him--
Ambitious, proud and…
…alone.

--Alexander Shaumyan
circa 1985