The lazy lioness lies dozing in the shade.
Her master soft approaches, half afraid.
If he would let her, she would lick his hand;
but he is young and fails to understand
emotions deep beneath her tawny hide.
He shuts the gate and locks her there inside.
She would not harm him if he came to her
and whispered all his secrets in her ear.
She longs to feel the touch of his caress.
And longing, too, to allay his distress,
she strains against the leash around her neck.
He cracks the whip to keep her love in check.