Jackie, the MGM Lion

Jackie the MGM Lion
stepped up to the microphone

Seizing his one chance

To be more than just a sideshow

Or a circus pet.

He sang with all the passion

Of a Satchmo or a Bessie Smith

Hoping that his roar might echo

Through film history.

Growling soft, then loud

He paused and growled again

Before turning to one side

A nervous wreck.

                                                

The motto Ars gratia artis,

flashed inside his mind and made

Jackie think over his integrity.

Did art not need moral justification?

Was he doing this for more than just himself?

And if he was, was that okay?

After all, it was just art.

Jackie felt the trainer’s whip.

He had dared to hunch and paid the price.

Suddenly, a lot more seemed at stake

                                                         Than his integrity.