A Wolf Can Lie Down With A Lamb...But A Lion And A Lamb? Poem by Ted Sheridan

I say to you.....
Sheep, weep not because you are weak
but lie down in those sweet green pastures
of false contentment and rejoice
that your were not born or turned
a Lion like me....
For unlike you....
I am unable to graze on only tender shoots of grass
as greens will not satisfy my ravenous appetite
And too....
I have no warm coat of valuable wool
to warm my cold body without the heat of the sun
in order I might grow fat and ready
for my Shepard to lead me to market
I have no Shepard for protection
I have only my long incisors and sharp claws
to aid in my pursuit of 'red meat'
a Lion like me....
will not be slaughtered or sacrificed to angry gods
A Lion like me....
is destined to die with my 'Pride'
and a Hunter's spear through my heart
Sheep, weep not because you are weak....
but above all....weep not for me
for I was born free and will die free
but tonight I'm having chops for dinner___