Not enough study
has been done
on old lions dying.
Unable to feed themselves,
without pride, teeth
or claws, their death
is starvation.
We don't wonder
what happens
to predators past their prime,
pastures are
for the meek, and
only reasoning primates
would contemplate
last rites
for their ancient nemesis.
The lion needs
no winter to die
and no writer.
(2003)
