African Gold

From just a cub, the lion grew, From strength to strength to rise, Such that, if now, he looked at you, The sight would mesmerise... As long as he stays over there, A distant golden thing, I wonder, would you be aware, That he's the lion king? Behold his stature and profile, Observe his face so stern, As if his heart were full of guile, With nothing left to learn... Yet he's the only alpha male, Commanding fear from all, He truly has a tale to tell, For he's a miracle... He serves the cause of Nature best When he preserves his line, That lion heart within his breast Bears gold that's meant to shine... For courage rules and courage takes, His kingdom's quite sublime, Yet starts anew, each dawn he wakes... To fight another time... Denis Martindale, copyright July 2016. A poem based on a magnificent wildlife painting by Stephen Gayford. Google-search phrases gayford prints and 'Stephen Gayford poetry'.