Lions across Australia dedicate their time, energy, and passion to serving their communities. In his poem Ode to a Lion, Lion Greg Dunn beautifully captures the spirit of service that unites us all. We hope his words inspire and resonate with you.

Ode to a Lion

“Would you like to buy a ticket sir, there’s just a few to go?

You ask sir what you’re going to win; do you really need to know?

Be assured the prize is real and it’s really worth the buck,

But tell me if you will sir, the last time you had any luck.

 

Well, we’re raffling a dinner and a night in some hotel.

We’re trying to help a local lad whose legs don’t work to well.

It’s possible you’ve seen him, in his wheelchair in the mall.

Young Sullivan, they call him and his smile is ten feet tall.”

 

“Yes! I’ve seen him come to think of it, but why are you involved?

Don’t we have Authorities to have this problem solved?

I mean, surely, surely there is someone, – why is it left to you?”

“Because you see we’re Lions sir; it is part of what we do.”

 

“Lions you say, I’ve heard of them; the sausage sizzle lot.

I’ve seen them at the local Fair; they seem to know what’s what.

But while I buy these raffle tickets, of which there’s quite a few;

Apart from running sausage sizzles, what else do Lions do?”

 

“That’s not an easy question sir; its range is so diverse.

We often think we do it tough but there are lots who do it worse,

And if in some way we can ease their burden or their strife,

Well then the worlds a better place for someone’s lonely life.

 

Of ourselves, there’s nothing special and when all is said and done,

It’s really us who benefit in camaraderie and fun.

We are not the good Samaritans who discard all luxury;

We are normal folk who go to work, or raise a family.

 

You see, as an individual, we don’t have too much clout,

But get a few of us together and we’ll really knock you out.

We come from many walks of life and thus combined as one,

Our talent is amazing but primarily aimed at fun.

 

We enjoy each other’s company and we generate new friends,

And with Lions Clubs all ‘round the world, this friendship never ends.

But what gives us satisfaction, and makes it all worthwhile,

Is the gratitude that we receive, and that great big beaming smile.

 

And we can join with other Clubs and form working relations.

We pool resources into what we call our Lions Clubs Foundations.

Now these we use for special concentration of our deeds

Such as Diabetes, Sight, Cancer, and lots of other needs.

 

You can’t explain emotions, they’re personal and deep;

And you can’t explain indebtedness; it’s something that you keep.

I wish I could convey to you the feelings deep inside

And the tears that well within your eyes that we call ‘Lions Pride’.

 

I know you’re thinking to yourself.  ‘What time does this consume?’

Well, Family first, next our welfare, then Lions if there’s room.

I see you’ve finished writing, I’ll pack up and close the lid.”

“Well I would have bought more tickets but was absorbed in what you did.

 

I didn’t realize just how much the community’s in your debt.”

“There’s nothing owed to Lions sir, we haven’t finished yet.

There’s so much I could tell you, I could go on all week,

But they want to close the shopping mall and their looks are very bleak.”

 

“We must meet up again sometime; I feel I’ve gained a friend”

“You have, in every Lion sir, on that you can depend.

But rather than restrict your thoughts on just my point of view,

I sooner you judge for yourself and see what Lions do.

 

I really would be honored if you’d come along and see;

And bring your wife along as well, the meals are on me.

Our Club meets at the local hall just down by Taylor Square.

At 7 o’clock this Tuesday night.  –  Oh, and you can buy more tickets there. “

 

©Greg Dunn