Black Wolves

The black wolves stretched their legs again And crunched the new-laid snow, Not knowing where, not knowing when, Yet still they had to go... For hunger pains drove them along, While they had strength reserved, For yet more food to keep them strong, So life could be preserved... Though Spring and Summer gave them hope, The Winter took its toll, There had been five that tried to cope, Now only two could stroll... Combining both their powers meant The final two might live And by survival to prevent What Winter won't forgive... So no more running fancy free, No frolics in the sun, They must outlive this misery Until the battle's won... Thus two black wolves walked day by day And also night by night, In search of creatures for their prey, Starvation at its height... Denis Martindale, copyright, June 2014. The poem is based on the magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford, nb Google search gayfordgallery. Find more wildlife poems using Google search for the search phrase Stephen Gayford poetry.