Feline Grace

A sleek black panther had appeared, It slinked along so slow And even as it gently neared, I didn't turn and go... For there was wonder in my eyes, So statuesque I stayed, Regardless that it wasn't wise To pause with thoughts delayed... My luck persisted for a while, As if a miracle, The panther couldn't see me smile, My camera catching all... Like models on a catwalk pose, This panther took its time, With feline grace each step it chose, Superb and quite sublime... And when it turned and walked away, Its tail swished side-to-side, Content to live a perfect day, If sunshine served as guide... While just a tourist, I was glad, Although I dared not blink, For it enjoyed the grace it had And that sure made me think... Denis Martindale, copyright, September 2013. The poem is based on the magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford called 'Feline Grace'.