The Lion Roared

He had lived a long life so far...full of adventure...he'd sailed the seven seas and blazed trails where none had dared...he had stood his ground and fought...for the rights of others....helped those in need...raised sons that were his pride and joy...behind his rough exterior lay a kind and gentle soul...
No one really understood the lion...took the time to get to know what lay underneath...they let him fight their battles...speak the words they were afraid to voice...his roar became known far and wide..he used it like an instrument...fine tuned....it could sing like an angel...or cut you to ribbons...he knew what to say...when and how...and others listened....were afraid of the truths he spoke and the changes he wrought...he believed in himself and in the path he had chosen...
He looked far and wide for a mate...several were tried...but ultimately failed him...he longed to be in love...wanted that one who would love him...believe in him...
One day he saw a girl...hiding behind her shadow...

she looked so shy and scared and his heart softened...he spoke kindly to her...coaxing her out in the open...it took awhile but finally she came out into view...

she looked at him in awe...he was so powerful...yet so gentle..they quickly became friends...she told him about her life...he about his...

he cared so deeply for others...put them before himself...but you could see the sadness in his eyes...his soul longed to be understood...to be loved...he needed to find peace...within himself...or he would ever be alone...unloved...

One day he told her he must go away...he would always be her friend...but his need to go was strong and he was gone...

She cried herself to sleep for months...finally realizing the lion was the one she had looked and longed for all her life...but he was lost to her....

The lion continued on his path of looking and trying to find his mate...always thinking of the girl...wondering how she was...but he didn't ever know that she was the one he was looking for...so intent was he on helping those around him...he didn't pay attention to his heart...his soul crying out in pain...he put all else before himself....took care of those around him...became their voice...their crutch in time of need...and let his heart and soul go unloved...forgotten...misunderstood...

except for that little girl....waiting behind her shadow...she knew his soul..his heart...she understood him and believed in him...and hoped that someday his path would bring him back her way and she would heal the lion...and his roar would tell the world...of his love...for her...