[Zen]

"I have to believe in a world outside of my own mind."

The Elephant Man draws a lion attacking on a wall.
The gazelle, the claws, he imagined it all.
A golden mane long and thick surrounded the lion’s neck,
With its teeth around its victim until no life was left.
Around the lion and the dead gazelle,
He scribbled a cage around them.
He saw it and felt it. He and the lion were the same.
Both were inside a cage surrounded by onlookers,
Who couldn’t make their eyes look away.
It was graphic, oh yes, but its beauty was its uniqueness.
He thought it was a shame most only saw it as creatures.
Even his closest companions couldn’t look at his drawings
He began to notice the same response;
Their eyes drifted when they saw him.
Those who didn’t know him would gawk and stare.
This made him uncomfortable. He thought it was all unfair,
How the crowds would gather to see him wallow in despair.
He imagined himself the lion, someone who leads,
But he knew he was the gazelle, food to eat.
Prey for those around him.
A circus Freak.
He thought himself worthless and weak,
Until he found a world where he’s free.
No,
It doesn’t hurt when he dreams.