Lexar the Fantastical Lion Tamer

A short short story I wrote when given the word 'whip' to write about.

            The lion roared.  Lexar cracked his whip.  Yes, the famous fantastical Lexar the Lion Tamer.  Lexar who could put his head in a lion’s mouth and remove it without a scratch.  Lexar who could yank a lion’s tail without facing any consequences.  And oh yes, Lexar who could crack his whip and bring the whole tent’s populace to attention: crowd, clowns, and lion.

            I hated Lexar.  I hated his ridiculous red jacket, his perfectly waxed mustache, and most of all his smug grin.  Lexar gestured toward the lion, showing the crowd how the lion sat at attention in response to only one crack of the whip.  He turned to the lion and with a fluid motion of his hand, the lion opened its mouth.  I readied myself as he stuck his head into its gaping maw.  I had paid extra for a front row seat, just for this moment.

            As Lexar’s head disappeared into the darkness, I threw some firecrackers at the lion’s feet.  As they went off, the lion’s jaws clamped shut as it panicked.  The crowd screamed.  I smiled.  Now Lexar’s f*****g smile would never be seen again, save for in the lion’s s**t, where it belonged.