A Cool Place

The tiger's paws were very hot As he stepped on the ground, Yet he recalled a shady spot Was nearby to be found... So off he went in search of peace, Just one step at a time... Content that there he'd find release, A cool place, so sublime... At last, he reached his gentle rest, Away from all that glare... And all at once, he felt quite blessed, As if without a care... His tender tootsies throbbed no more, He splashed his paws about, The ripples went from shore-to-shore... A cool place, without doubt... Then suddenly his body stopped, Submerged up to his chin, His tensed-up muscles simply flopped, To utter joy gave in... The tiger smiled a winsome smile, A sigh of sweet relief And there he rested for a while, Now cool beyond belief... Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2010. The poem is based on the magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford called 'A Cool Place'.