26The Lion Who Owns the Place
“African Lion” by Faducci (Solomon Bassoff & Domenica Mottarella), 2018 · steel & sculpted, pigmented concrete · given by Carol and Paul McClinton and Betsy and Clifton Robinson · Waco Sculpture Zoo, a Creative Waco & City of Waco project, dedicated 2020
He is smiling like he owns the place. As far as he's concerned, he does.
Up on his rock, mane combed by nobody, the lion is smiling. Not roaring — smiling, which is somehow the more confident choice. He has the whole savanna lawn spread out below him: the rhino to one side, the tiger down the row, the meerkats keeping watch, the gates just ahead. And he has the distinct air of an animal who believes all of this was arranged for him and is too well-mannered to say so out loud. Every trail needs somebody who is completely certain about everything. On this one, it's him. Give him a small nod as you pass. He will accept it as his due.
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