Exquisite Feline Grace

Black panther creature, slim and sleek, As slinky, silky lace, You move with style, as if unique, As if with feline grace... You saunter left, you saunter right, You glide from place to place, As if presenting pure delight, To mesmerise and daze... And when I saw you that first time, I stared upon your face, Because your beauty was sublime, To me, as one that stays... What other creature caught my eyes, So my attention strays? And yet, you took me by surprise, My tender heart to praise... To be firm friends with such as you, Your friendship to embrace, I'd show compassion through and through, For kindness always pays... I'd prove to you, of all you've known, Of us, the Human Race, This man's respect stands out alone, In, oh, so many ways... Denis Martindale September 2016. A poem based on the magnificent wildlife painting by Stephen Gayford. Google-search phrases gayford prints and 'Stephen Gayford poetry'.