The Cowardly Lion’s Lament | Lyrical Literacy (Oz Sung)

The Cowardly Lion’s Lament | Lyrical Literacy (Oz Sung)

The Lyrical Literacy podcast presents a heartfelt exploration of courage through the eyes of the Cowardly Lion from Oz. This poignant first-person narrative follows the lion's transformative journey from self-doubt to self-discovery. Despite his impressive roar and majestic mane, he initially hides from the smallest disturbances, ashamed of his fear. The poem beautifully tracks his growth as he joins Dorothy and her companions through dangerous terrain, facing his fears with each trembling step. By the conclusion, the Lion discovers the profound truth that courage isn't the absence of fear but the willingness to continue despite it—revealing that true bravery begins with acknowledging one's vulnerabilities.

Origin

This poem is inspired by the character of the Cowardly Lion from "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," written by L. Frank Baum and published in 1900. In the original story, the Cowardly Lion joins Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Woodman on their journey to the Emerald City, seeking courage from the Wizard. The novel has become a beloved classic of American children's literature and entered the public domain in 1956.

The Cowardly Lion’s Lament

In a forest deep where shadows creep
I paced alone afraid to leap
My roar was loud my mane was fine
But fear made cowards of beasts like mine

I dreamed of courage bold and bright
But trembled at the smallest fright
A rustle? Run A breeze? I'd hide
Though jungle kings should stand with pride

Then came a girl with storm-washed shoes
A tinman dented by old blues
A straw-stuffed man who sought his brain
And welcomed me despite my shame

Through poppy fields and haunted wood
I followed where the brave ones stood
Each step a quake each choice a test
Yet still I marched though not the best

In Oz I knelt before the flame
And found a medal not just fame
But proof I'd faced my deepest scare
And chose to stay though I could tear

Now thrones may gleam and trumpets cheer
But courage is the act of near
The trembling breath the shaky paw
That walks through fear and stands in awe

I may not roar with thunder's might
But still I roar and still I fight
For I have learned through doubt and din
That cowardice is where I begin
And courage is what I carry in

#CowardlyLion #WizardOfOz #CourageJourney #LyricalLiteracy #ChildrensClassics #BaumInspired #FindingBravery #FacingFears #LionHeart #MusicalStorytelling

Nik Bear Brown
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