Lenny The Ski Lion

Lenny was a fearsome lion.

There were none as fierce as he.

And Lenny had a life long dream

Which was to learn to ski.

The thought of whooshing down the snow

Filled every waking second.

He would be a great world champion

If he tried it, so he reckoned.

Now the animals around him

Thought the idea to be a winner.

They'd rather help him learn to ski

Than end up as his dinner.

They gathered round and called him over

On the plain so hot and sunny,

And got him a taxi, and plane ticket

They'd bought with all their money.

Lenny the lion jumped for joy

And did his special happy dance,

Then Boarded the first plane he could

That flew to Southern France.

He soon arrived, found his hotel

And clothes quite warm yet cool,

Some splendid skis made just for lions

And enrolled in the ski school.

His class was full of children

Having their first feel of snow.

Which made the mighty jungle king

Afraid to have a go.

But a little girl came up to him

Swamped in massive coat and hat,

She said “please will you hold my hand

Mr great big pussy cat?”

Lenny was shy and nervous

And had quite lost his voice,

But took the girl's hand in his.

He felt he had no choice.

Slowly they set off down the hill

With many falls along the way.

They learnt to turn and how to stop

And agreed to meet next day.

On that day they were better.

The following better still.

The fourth day they left the school

In search of a bigger thrill.

They squeezed inside a ski lift

With more people than they could count in.

And off they went with their skis

To the top of Danger Mountain.

They relaxed a while at the peak.

Drinking hot chocolate in the shop.

Then went to the top of the slope

Where Lenny had to stop.

“I can't do it!” Lenny cried,

“The hill is just too steep!”

Then he collapsed upon the floor

And the king began to weep.

Lenny and his little friend

Went down by cable car.

And were spotted by another cat

Who came from Africa.

Miguel, that was his name.

A world famous downhill skier.

His technique was nearly perfect,

He was fast and showed no fear.

“King of the jungle?” Laughed Miguel.

“but now everyone will know,

You're really just a big cry baby

Afraid of a bit of snow!

Why not watch me tomorrow

If you dare to show your face?

At the top of Danger Mountain.

I'll winning the big race!”

Lenny was there next day

In the air so cold and thin.

But not to watch his spotty rival,

Just to try his best to win.

“Don't be silly!” Mocked Miguel.

“You haven't got a chance!”

“I'll beat you.” Lenny calmly said,

“Then I'll do my happy dance.”

The field set off down the course,

Lenny first, Miguel behind.

He was spurred on by the thought

Of his words so cruel and so unkind.

He carved each turn so beautifully

The crowds just had to cheer,

But he couldn't lose his rival

Who stayed close to Lenny's rear.

Miguel thought that he would lose

So with his ski pole gave a clout

To the back of Lenny's legs

Causing our hero to wipeout.

He slid to the side of the piste

Where watching was his friend.

“Never give up!” she cried, “Carry on!

Keep trying to the end!”

Up jumped Lenny and off he sped

At a quite breathtaking pace.

Determined to chase and beat that cat

That had stolen his first place.

He crouched down low, tightly tucked

And glided like he was flying.

He caught up Miguel but couldn't pass

Though he was really trying.

The mean cat swerved and pushed Lenny wide

Who shot into a bank of ice.

Miguel laughed and shouted back

Some really bad advice.

“You're just a loser you big soft lion

With your silly mane of hair!

You'll never be a winner

If you're always playing fair!”

Lenny carried on the race

And saw Miguel lift up the cup.

He was sad and he was beaten.

No one could cheer him up.

As Miguel stood on the winner's step

Lenny saw what the crowd were doing.

They all threw snowballs at Miguel

Shouted “Cheat!” and started booing.

An organiser took back the trophy

Which caught Lenny by surprise.

“You're the rightful winner!” He said,

“This cup is now your prize!”

Lenny saw his little friend

And rushed to hug and greet her.

She told Lenny that he had won

Because Miguel was a big old...

...cheetah.