Red-tented Skies

Do not grieve for me, for I am blessed;
jeweled tears shine in my eyes.
The sun's the same for Africa's game,
while I'm pinned beneath red-tented skies.

Three rings marked out the route my life took,
surrounded by sharp applause.
For Africa's game, the sun's the same--
seldom rifle's bark given harsh pause.

Bones creak to please, with strength inherent.
borne aloft on baited breath.
The sun's the same for Africa's game,
but here, lighted stars extinguish death.

Form: ZaniLa Rhyme

The ZaniLa Rhyme, a form created by Laura Lamarca, consists 4 lines per stanza.
The rhyme scheme for this form is abcb and a syllable count of 9/7/9/9 per stanza.
Line 3 contains internal rhyme and is repeated in each odd numbered stanza.
Even stanzas contain the same line but swapped.
The ZaniLa Rhyme has a minimum of 3 stanzas and no maximum poem length.

See for examples: http://www.shadowpoetry.com/resources/wip/zanilarhyme.html