The Lion and The Flea by Mark Rickerby at All poetry

On the wind-tossed bluff, the lion stood,
Quietly surveying his vast domain,
With immense power emanating
From his fiery eyes and flowing mane.

From the weeds below, a tiny flea
Leapt onto the enormous lion’s paw.
The flea’s strength was its invisibility,

Which made it safe from the lion’s claw.

So the flea survived on the lion’s blood
And the moral - I’m sure you can guess.

No matter how hard the little flea sucked,

He couldn't make the mighty lion any less.

Author notes

Written August 14th, 2005

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Comments

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By me, right now

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Clovis...Curious
January 23

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Superb Plus
I like the wry sense of humor in this write. Imagery; rhythm and rhyme just fine, of course. Thanks for sharing this one with us.
Mark Rickerby
November 15, 2005
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Bingo! (Or small people.)

Edited on Nov 15, 4:45 p.m. because ''.
Dolce
November 15, 2005
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don't sweat the small stuff???
maryannde
September 14, 2005
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Whether this is metaphor or simply a straighforward lesson of life, I quite enjoyed it.

Ive found that often on this site, those who use end rhyme are somehow put down because of it. I enjoy all types of poetry, but rhyming poetry, when done well of course, has a lyrical quality that makes its reading outloud a real joy.

I believe this is a first read of your work. I shall be back.

My best to you...
Mary Ann
Edited on Sep 14, 12:34 because 'I know how to spell, it's my computer that keeps messing up. LOL'.
epitaph-macabre
September 9, 2005
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this is a neat little story you have here i greatly love it.
josh-13
September 1, 2005
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Woh, this was an awesome poem, that can be used as a bent parable, the reason I use the word bent is because It can be bent to fit multiple meanings, so everyone takes what they needed out of this. I liked it, you did an awesome job on this one. It's awesome, and I can relate in strange ways, in some way everyone can. This was a beautiful poem.
Mark Rickerby
August 31, 2005
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Good point! Jeez, I hadn't thought of that. lol
piccola
August 31, 2005
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No, No the moral is .. the smaller you are, the easier it is to hide and be a blood sucker! (I'm 4' 11")
Lencio Rodrigues
August 16, 2005
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This is a very marvellous piece. Well done, so true. But as always, you know, I have my own interpretation lol!!! I feel the lion wouldn't kill a flea, it would be too shameful for his own might.

Love and light,
Lencio
Providence
August 15, 2005
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Oh This is darling. And is the flea tried to describe the lion, would we know the lion!

Marvelous!
Mark Rickerby
August 15, 2005
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Thanks, John. I will! Nice to hear from you.

Mark
Mark Rickerby
August 14, 2005
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I have been enjoying the different interpretations of this poem. A friend of mine told me she thought it was about America and terrorists. I think I like that interpretation better than what I actually intended. I also like the "co-existence" / circle of life interpretation, but it wasn't at all what I was going for. Your take on it that "a person's good qualities are not reduced by their flaws" is also excellent. So in the end, who cares what I meant? I like to see readers putting their own spin on it. Maybe they'll find the meaning they need to find, which is far superior than my imposing one on them.

Edited on Aug 15, 1:46 p.m. because ''.
Edge of Dreams
August 14, 2005
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Interesting, like an aesop's fable turned poem. I think this poem is fairly well writen, but I have a question. Did you mean for your moral to be about co-existance (as several commentators have interpreted) or that a person's good qualities are not reduced by their flaws?
silica
August 14, 2005
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I think there is another moral – one that appeals to me;
That the lion for his power and nobility cannot kill a flea¡!

Nice title and story – I think there are probably several other morals in there too¡!
zenrobes69
August 14, 2005
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Great
I loved it. Very inspiring
adios muchachos
August 14, 2005
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Enjoy Florida Mark!
John
Sara Bellem
August 14, 2005
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I love this, short to the point and so very meaningful The background and picture fit perfectly into your poem. This makes me feel better about something that just happened awhile ago... ( WATCH FOR AN E-MAIL FROM ME ) ... Anyways, no matter what is happening in my life, its good to read a poem from you... your work is truly a masterpiece ... love you! Sara
Molly Densmore
August 14, 2005
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Very very good, I really liked this, so creative and so true. You have captured the beauty of how nature, bugs, and animals work together. Great write and so well written. I really enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing this.
soccerchica77
August 14, 2005
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awesome
hmmm quite interesting i think i do rather like it!!! did you know, also, that the title somewhat rhymes with your username? quite good, i must say! excellent work here and do keep writing!!!
massacre
August 14, 2005
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well done!
This is an awesome poem
I don't usually like things that I can relate to..
But I love this ahy..
Awesome
Jazzie Poetess
August 14, 2005
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This was a beautiful poem. I love the imagery, and the rhythm flows wonderfully. Keep up the good work.
Risika88
August 14, 2005
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I loved this! I really enjoyed reading this little poem. It's simply short and wonderful. Keep up the good work. This was truly a great piece of work. It was simple yet complex. Nicely done.
mantis180
August 14, 2005
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Hehe I love this poem. Very good, and theres a moral, which makes it even better
I like your lion... but I think I like the flea better
-Ash : :
gingermint
August 14, 2005
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That was a lovely poem about peaceful coexistance.
August 14, 2005
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Nice write indeed, good flow and rhythm. Somewhat funny in a sense but then again I'm not much for humor. Keep up the good work and have a blessed day.
Gogetalife
August 14, 2005
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What a powerful piece Mark, I love when you said :
The flea’s strength was its invisibility..
very well written and I loved that picture of the lion..the big majesty..sitting with pride..great job as usual..I Wonder what inspire this piece..
Abel
August 14, 2005
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very nice write...although the thought of a million fleas makes me itch...and the lion a little furr-less...
nice moral...i liked the invisible part...not the kind of adversary even a mighty lion would like...Peace Abel
Night Hope
August 14, 2005
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'On the wind-tossed bluff, the lion stood,
Calmly and quietly surveying his domain,
With immense power and pride emanating
From his fiery eyes and his flowing mane...'

Ohhh, I get it...LOL Bravo, Mark...very subtle...very profound...now let's see who else gets it, eh??? hehehe Well done, my Friend... ♥ Wanda
Scandalous Beauty
August 14, 2005
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Amazing
That was awesome and the picture of the lion made it even more attractive.
Guin
OurxBeginning
August 14, 2005
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Wow this was great, I loved it a lot, keep it up