The Lioness

I was wondering where the lioness went.

Now I know.

I hadn't seen you stalking your foes

Nor sunning yourself in green trees.

I was afraid you might be ill or wounded.

and that life might have brought you to your knees.

But I needed not worry about you at all.

 

I was wondering where the Lioness went.

Now I know.

You didn't leave the war

Nor did you let go of the scent,

You didn't stop stalking Your enemies,

or run away from your duties.

But you sought a quiet place

to make a statement of hope for us all.

 

I was wondering where the Lioness went.

Now I know.

You made a statement of love with your mate.

And chose to step away from confusion and hate.

To find a quiet warm place, well protected and safe.

Where you could exercise your faith

and give birth to a child of great hope.

And in the process maybe save us all?

 

I was wondering where the lioness went.

Now I know

She emerges from her quiet dark lair

With a little lion cub at her side.

No lioness would ever run and hide.

Unless it was important to you.

In nurturing the future

and living in the present.

You do what is important to do.

 

Thank God for people with the courage inside,

to carry on from the heart for the future.

I have no doubts this cub will one day run and play

And take her place in the great game of life.

 

Christopher H. Holte, July 10, 2015

Thinking of my friend Christine Dillon Strickland and her daughter -- and her granddaughter.