Father

The Lion King told the Wizened Monkey,
Sire I desire my son to be
Stronger than me;
Build upon the lands I leave
A kingdom of Heaven.

The Monkey smiled his age old smile.
I see your father’s done his job well -
The lands remain as barren as ever
Kingdom of heaven, safe above
People toil still in vain
Your father was an imperfect man.

Yet, as a father good he was
For he left along with this
A priceless heirloom to you, didn’t he?
He left his yearning in you, dear King!

[Birthday gift to my dad, June 18th, 2006]