From ancient deserts, where the sun beats down, A creature rises, wearing beauty's crown, Yet holding death within its gaze so deep, While secrets of the ages it does keep. A lion's body, strong and swift and grand, A human face that seems to understand, But with a voice that whispers, "Come and see,"; A deadly trap for all humanity. Its tail, a scorpion's sting, a poisoned dart, Can pierce the soul and tear a world apart, With rows of teeth like daggers, sharp and bright, It lures the curious into endless night. Do not be fooled by tales of wisdom's call, For Manticore's embrace means certain fall, A riddle posed, a promise of delight, But only darkness follows in its light.