Underlioned

Encamp your thoughts
On a thoroughfare
And spy the sparrow
Nestled there
Under the line
Under the scowl
Of petty men
The lions prowl

Beyond the flickering
Firelight
Stretches deepest
Darkest night
Inside your thoughts
Inside your mind
Just who will next
The lions find?

The embers cool
To bleeding red
Still till morning
Wait the dead
Eyes wide open
Gasping breath
To stave away
The lurking death

A growl like thunder
Shakes the ground
Wide eyed terror
Peering round
Petrified
To make a sound
Now the lions
Have them found

Not a soul
The daylight sees
But for the bird
Perched in the trees
Satisfied
The lions leave
Granting
Posthumous reprieve

Flitting sparrow
Flies away
Off to greet
The coming day
Under the light
Under the line
Beware the deadly
Demon lions.