We say the lion is

the king of beasts

but is it really?

Does it rule the antelope?

Or perhaps it is a romantic image

we project on an animal

of beauty and power,

though not that successful as a hunter

We think the eagle rules the sky

though it isn’t the largest

It is beautiful to watch,

soaring on the thermals

diving to catch a meal

yet another romantic image

of a predator finding its way

what of the rabbit?

Quiet and still, warming in sun

cooling or sheltering in shadow

trying not to draw attention

still it contributes to the environment

could it be considered “royal”, too?

Does it have less majesty?

Ants, too, have value

aerating the ground we walk

living communally, setting an example

for how we might build the world

supporting the community

rather than preying upon it?

Aren’t they just as romantic

in their own way, just as royal?

Must it always be the biggest,

the loudest, the strongest that we admire?

Or are all creatures of value,

contributing, each in their own way

to the life of the world around us?

Not kings or queens, but valued

none the less, equal to all.