I learned to use my claws (and I wish I hadn't)

I am a lion

Raised in a circus,

Taught to jump through hoops

From the day I was born.

I was locked in a cage,

And told to preform,

And was snapped at with whips,

When I failed their tricks.

Then one day I learned how to use my claws.

I ran arund the stage in a childish delight

Glad that I finally found part of my real self,

And was hopeful towards my future.

And then without warning,

Out of fear of what I might do,

I was released into the wild;

Expected to survive on my own.

But all I was taught was how to jump through hoops.