It used to be the Colosseum
That public zoo lion enclosure
Where at feeding time people
Would watch other people
Brought into the lion’s den
Brought into the lions
And cheer themselves on
As they vicariously partook
Of the body and the blood

Today the lions roam about
Seeking someone to devour
Whomever will kindly stop
To check the lion’s paw
But the problem actually
Is a flagpole in their petard
And their flag-bandaged heart
And if you rip it off they turn
And X you out on the spot

Someday the lions will lay down
Having been defeated by the lamb
All their pride lowered down
And their flag and pole burned up
And the den of roaring lions
Will become a house of prayer
And the lamb will feed those
Whom the lions have eaten
With his own flesh and blood

Blessed are the lion-tamers
For they shall see God
Between the jaws of the lion
Blessed are Aesop’s mice
Who attempt to bring healing
At the risk of their own hurt
Blessed are the martyrs
Woe to those that make them
Woe to those who just watch