Here is one of my writing assignments that I wrote during the summer.
The Lion in Love
By J. Hunter Quinn
Once there was a lion that was in love with a woodcutter’s daughter. In his mouth, the lion had razor sharp teeth that glistened in the sun. A fluffy, golden mane adorned his neck, making him look fearless. Adding to his grand appearance was his sleek, glossy coat. Beneath his kingly body were his velvety paws that produced no sound when he stalked in the woods, yet his claws made a clicking sound when he walked among stones.
The woodcutter was a tall, leathery man, his face having deep creases in them from years of difficult labor. His arms had scars from axe wounds and collapsing trees. Although his hands were calloused, they had a gentle feel to them. His legs were thin, an odd contrast to his extremely wide feet.
After his wife died, the woodcutter had dedicated his life to his daughter. Observers would watch him work from dawn to dusk in an attempt to provide for her. He rarely did anything that was not for his daughter.
Despite this, the woodcutter did care for crippled animals. He would provide for their needs until they were well once more. When his house was not full of animals, the woodcutter would provide for strangers who needed a place to sleep.
Nestled in a forest clearing was the woodcutter’s hut, consisting of bamboo stems cleverly weaved together. A small pond was situated right next to the hut, willow trees dangling their stems into the water as if wanting a drink.
Approaching the woodcutter, the lion said with a roar, “I would like to court your daughter!”
Terrified, the woodcutter thought to himself, “After driving off other rouge suitors, why should I let this monster court my daughter?” Suddenly, he thought of a plan.
“Certainly,” replied the woodcutter. “You can only if you take out your teeth and claws.
Later that evening, the lion came back toothless and clawless. Then, he demanded the daughter for his wife.
The woodcutter, no longer afraid, and having said he would only allow the lion to court his daughter, drove off the lion with a stick.
