Manchurian King Poem by Denis Martindale

He was the likely candidate
To be the tiger king,
The one that Nature would create,
From him new life to bring...
The one with fire in his eyes
And courage in his heart,
So that his foes would realise
That he would play his part.
There was no turning back for those
Who had to fight not fail,
Against another, way up close
To stay the Alpha Male...
The road ahead was paved with fears
That he alone must face,
Yet with defiance through these years,
These dangers to embrace.
There was no glory in defeat,
No pride beneath the stars,
No joy when some great beast can beat
And leave you scratched with scars...
For him, the years would not be kind,
Old age would sap his strength...
The tiger king would one day find
His resting place at length...
For now, defeat was far away...
In youth, he looked sublime...
His destiny he must obey,
Triumphant for a time...


More Stephen Gayford poems here:

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