I'm Christian the friendly lion, <br />And do my best not to frighten. <br />I was born in a seaside town in Devon, <br />Where the salty air smelt like heaven. <br />One day I was taken somewhere new, <br />Away from Ilfracoombe zoo, <br />To Harrod's land of toys, <br />Full of London girls and boys, <br />Hoping to hear a lion cub roar, <br />Beside a baby elephant and alligator. <br />It was in the year 1969, <br />When Aussies Tony and John heard me whine, <br />And took me to their flat, <br />Below a shop called Sophistocat. <br />My every wish they tried to provide, <br />Even taking me on day trips to the seaside. <br />Around their local church I loved to play, <br />I never made those who attended prey. <br />Then one day, <br />The stars of 'Born Free' <br />Said they could help me, <br />Move to Kora National Reserve, <br />For a wild life I did deserve. <br />My African dream came true, <br />At the tender age of two, <br />Thanks to George Adamson, <br />Who set me free to run. <br />I became the 'Lion at the World's End', <br />And proved I would always remember a friend, <br />One year later when Tony and John came back, <br />My mind was empty of attack. <br />So dear they were to my heart, <br />I could hardly bear to part, <br />But now I had my own pride, <br />It was time to venture far and wide.<br /><br />Stephen Katona<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/christian-the-lion/
