A Lion
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I wanted to be a lion.
Strong, bold, fearless.

I wanted to be my own master,
fight my own way,
clear my own path,
stand on my own feet.

And then,
somehow,
I thought it wouldn't matter,
that I had no one.

I wouldn't admit I was afraid,
fear was only a coward's emotion.
I wouldn't admit I was lonely,
love would eventually betray.

Solitude was my world.

Before you appeared out of nowhere.

You showed me there was another way.

You made me feel,
that there was something else worth fighting for,
apart from my own selfish pride.


As we fought our final battle,
for survival,
it was then I realized,

that it is not fearlessness,
but the courage to admit your fear,
and still not run,

that separates a boy from a man,
and a mouse from a lion.