African Radiance

Behold the lion's golden mane, His stature and his stance, As if he stalks through golden grain, A vision to entrance... Such poise, such grace, such confidence, Such priceless majesty, Such wondrous, thunderous elegance, Such precious sovereignty... Behold the lion's state of mind, Without one trace of love, As if he'd left that far behind When times were getting tough... His mane was gold, his heart was black, Just outer radiance... The hunt was on, no turning back, No change of sentiments... Behold the lion's sombre stare, Fixated on his prey... As if no mercy left to spare, Regardless night or day... He looks determined, without doubt, As if the end is nigh, As if his prey had no way out, No time to wonder why... Denis Martindale, copyright, November 2010. The poem is based on the magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford called 'African Radiance'.