Long ago in the lands of the sun, There lived a princess who thought court was no fun. She tired of lessons and silken gowns, Of perfect posture and painted frowns. So one bright morning, she slipped away, Past palace guards and the orchard's spray, Down winding paths where poppies grew— She chased a whisper the warm wind blew. It told of lions with golden eyes, Who watched from cliffs 'neath cloudless skies. They roared like thunder, swift and wise— The hidden hunters no court could prize. The princess climbed through heat and stone, Far from the towers she'd always known. She found a den where shadows stirred, And held her breath. She'd heard them purr. Out stepped a lion, strong and grand, With sunfire fur and a voice like sand. "You are no prey," the great cat said. "You walk like one who dreams instead." "I want to learn the world," said she. "Not just scrolls and ceremony. Can you teach me what hunters know? How rivers talk and cactus grow?" The lion blinked and bowed his head. "Then walk with us where stars have led. Learn wind and track, and beast and flame— But know: your heart will not stay the same." So day by day, and year by year, The princess learned without crown or peer. She leapt with lions, danced with light, And listened well through every night. But still she knew, deep in her bones, The world she’d left, the marble thrones. One dawn, she stood with golden pride, And said goodbye with tears she’d hide. Back through the poppies, home she crept, While all the palace dreamed and slept. She took her place—not quite the same— A hunter’s heart beneath her name. Now when the court grows dull or tight, She closes her eyes and feels the light. And if you ask her where she’s been— She’ll smile, and say, “With lion kin.”
