The inner working of Patricia's mind (AKA Blog) - Patricia Lynne, Young Adult Author

#AtoZChallenge – L is for Leonine

4/13/2014

This was inspired by the show Weird, True & Freaky and the episode on people who modify their bodies to be like animals.

Leonine

of, relating to, suggestive of, or resembling a lion

[Middle English, from Latin leoninus, from leon-, leo]

Jackson’s leonine appearance–the flowing, golden locks, contacts that made his eyes look feline, and tattoos that mimicked fur–always turned heads. People stared as he passed them, jaws slack. Some even pointed.

Rude much?

But Jackson had learned to ignore those people. Their reaction was usually harmless and a small price to pay to live his truth. Plus, there was an online community of others who understood. They were also animals trapped in a human’s body, foxes, wolves, rabbits, dogs, and felines like him. Alone, they were considered freaks, but together they were family.

Find out more about the April A to Z blog challenge, and check out the other participants!

19 Comments

Kim link

4/13/2014 12:07:21 pm

That's really fascinating. I didn't know that such people existed, but I believe it. I love how alone they were freaks, but together they were family. That's a great line!

S. Katherine Anthony link

4/13/2014 03:00:58 pm

If you find your family and your "truth" in a group of "freaks" so be it! What matters is how happy one is...it does take nerves of steal to stand alone and follow your true path. That being said, I have to admit I would stare at someone with a leonine appearance if they were around me. Hard not to, human curiosity and all o_o

Sophie Duncan link

4/13/2014 03:11:21 pm

It takes a lot of guts to take a step towards what you feel inside. Nice one.
Sophie
<a href="http://sophiesthoughtsandfunmbles.blogspot.co.uk/">Sophie's Thoughts & Fumbles</a> - A to Z Ghosts
<a href="http://fantasyboysxxx.blogspot.co.uk/">Fantasy Boys XXX</a> - A to Z Drabblerotic

Tasha link

4/13/2014 07:42:30 pm

Everyone needs a place to belong. Lovely ficlet.
Tasha
http://tashasthinkings.blogspot.co.uk/

Alex Hurst | A Fantasy Writer in Kyoto link

4/13/2014 10:08:42 pm

Sorry I've gotten so behind on getting to your posts! I had a really hard time this week, since it was the first week of the new school year in Japan. Anyway, I'm back now, haha.

Another great word! Thanks! :D

Alex J. Cavanaugh link

4/13/2014 10:58:25 pm

Glad there are others to support him, but I would still think freak...

shell flower link

4/14/2014 12:22:04 am

I love the word leonine and the whole concept of people who feel like they are animals stuck in human form. It's sad, but makes for cool stories. It's no weirder than people wanting sex changes, which is totally normal these days.

Annikka Woods link

4/14/2014 01:19:16 am

An interesting word to choose and a great way of describing the meaning. I find it fascinating that people do certain things that are different from others and we automatically label them freaks. Then the freaks band together because they've found like minded people. After time, maybe, the freaks aren't considered freaks anymore. Of course, it could take several lifetimes for that to happen.

Colin link

4/14/2014 02:49:05 am

As I was reading, I was thinking, "what the hair and tattoos weren't fake...?" That's an interesting concept for a bigger story, Patricia.

C. Lee McKenzie link

4/14/2014 03:18:36 am

Ah, I love the concept. And where can I see that guy?

Madeline Mora-Summonte link

4/14/2014 03:36:20 am

I love the idea of tattoos that look like fur!

Madeline @ <a href="http://MadelineMora-Summonte.com/">The Shellshank Redemption</a>
Minion, Capt. Alex's Ninja Minion Army
<a href="http://a-zchallenge.com/">The 2014 Blogging from A-Z Challenge</a>

Larry Kollar link

4/14/2014 03:40:39 am

They're family. So the lion might actually lie down with the lamb?

Interesting thought, but there are probably people like that. I think some native nations had the concept of "totem animal" as well, the one that each person related to best.

djinnia

4/14/2014 04:48:14 am

whoa! that was a fabulous piece. i like the lesson here.

Elsie Elmore link

4/14/2014 09:57:19 am

I enjoy your creativity. I never know where you're heading with these flash fiction bits. Great job.

Linda Covella link

4/14/2014 12:04:42 pm

I'm really enjoying your posts, including this one!

Michelle link

4/14/2014 12:14:49 pm

Great post!

Please visit my blog, http://www.thatgirlybookworm.blogspot.ca

I'm also participating in the A-Z Challenge and my theme focuses on books and a title of one that starts with the letter of the day!

Patricia Lynne link

4/15/2014 02:11:13 am

@Kim, There are. There are times when TV teaches you something. ;)

@S.Katherine, indeed!

@Sophie, thanks.

@Tasha, yeah, it's nice to belong. =)

@Alex, good luck with school!

@Ninja Captain Alex, I admit, it'd be hard not to stare.

@Shell, yeah, I like to think we, as humans, are becoming more accepting of those different than us,

@Annikka, yeah and they get treated like they are dangerous, but the reality is, it's the normal person you should fear more. What are they hiding by blending in?

@Colin, you know, it would be an interesting story to write.

@C.Lee, there is actually a real person I had in mind. He was featured in the TV show and had done quite a bit of body modification. I can't recall his name though.

@Madeline, I've seen tattoos that resemble leopard spots and they do look cool.

@Larry, yes, the lion and the lamb might get comfy together. =)

@Djinnia, thanks!

@Elsie, thanks! I try to keep everyone guessing. ;)

@Linda, thanks!

@Michelle, thanks. I will.

Jamie Dement (LadyJai) link

4/15/2014 03:33:30 am

Now why do I have the CSI episode FUR AND LOATHING stuck in my head while reading this?! LOL

Jamie Dement (LadyJai)
<a href=http://writebackwards.we3dements.com>My A to Z</a>
<a href=http://caringforaveteran.wordpress.com>Caring for My Veteran</a>