Lyin’ or King?

For this prompt, I have created two very different responses. I hope each one evokes an emotional reaction.

King?

Who am I? My name’s Claude. Some call me “King of the Beasts.” Don’t let the name fool you. The hyennas still charge me WAY too much for coffee. They say I’m getting a “royal” discount and then laugh when my back is turned. Does that sound like the respect a king deserves? I don’t think so. I may just eat them tomorrow. 

Speaking of paying too much… EVERYTHING costs more these days, and everyone expects ME to do something about it. Just because I’m king doesn’t mean I control the whole world. The pandas raised the import taxes on their hand-made bamboo bowls, but two can play that game. What is bamboo compare to diamonds? If they want their gems, they may end up paying just a little extra for them. I may seem strong, but I also have brains behind this mane! If I said I wasn’t looking forward to gouging them a little bit, I’d be “lion.” Get it? Lion…? Oh, never mind.

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Lyin’

She says she truly loves him, but,
He hits her until she’s cryin’.
Friends don’t know 'cause the door is shut;
She comes out when tears stop dryin’.
Says he’ll stop, though in her gut,
She knows he’s really lyin’.
The next night he walks with a strut,
And she knows that he’s been buyin’
Drinks for all his buddies. “What?
It’s rare, like a white lion.”
He could knock her out with an uppercut,
So what’s the use of tryin’?
She’s stuck in this unending rut,
And every day she feels like dyin’.
‘Til someone comes to help her out,
And she takes off and starts flyin’.

Copyright © 2022 Brandon Ellrich

This flash fiction and poem were written in response to Sadje’s What do you see # 153 September 26,2022. Visit her page to contribute and/or see other responses.

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If this post resonated with you, please check out Temperature Change and Fog.