Bookends

Two tiger cubs had claimed a tree As if it were their own And guarded it with dignity, As if they were full-grown! They glared at those that ventured near, With stern-stared loathsome looks, As if they hoped to instil fear, Like proper gangster crooks! They arched their backs, their necks held high With awesome jawsome jowls, As if to give the evil eye Backed up with fearsome scowls... The gruesome twosome joined by oath To fight with all their strength! The passersby ignored them both! Just sauntered by at length... Two tiger cubs had claimed a tree, Their castle for the day... Like bookends in a library, Determined, all the way... Each little rebel with a cause, Defiant to the last! Their tiny claws inside their paws, Though harmless, were quite fast... Denis Martindale, copyright, April 2011. The poem is based on the magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford called 'Bookends'. More Stephen Gayford poems here: denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com