Cheek To Cheek

Two tigers wandered to and fro, Like restless tigers do, Until they chose to take things slow Just like the chosen few... Let others pounce and leap for joy, Explore for all they're worth, But these two tigers played it coy And settled on the earth... Thus side-by-side and cheek-to-cheek They nestled 'neath the sun, Content merely to pause and peek At others having fun... As if to say, 'You go for it! We'll stay here keeping guard... Conserve your strength, keep fighting fit, Just don't you play too hard! ' While others every joy embrace As if Hell-bent on thrills, Some tigers simply spend their days, Like statues watching hills... They look like bookends on the shelves, Now rooted to the spot! Wise tigers learn to pace themselves! That sun is too darned hot! Denis Martindale, copyright, April 2011. The poem is based on the magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford called 'Cheek To Cheek'. More Stephen Gayford poems here: denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com