High Noon

Two cheetahs stared with great intent, Across the land they shared, Perhaps some danger to prevent, So they remained prepared... Their focus on things far away, That few on Earth could tell, For at high noon no shadows stay, To move or prove all's well... The sun, of course, would soon move on, With shadows to return, Until this time was all but gone, With lessons still to learn... A keener vision granting peace When silence gave no clue, Until the time high noon must cease, Way past its rendezvous... While creatures merely serve their needs, Mankind wants so much more, Through centuries he still succeeds The Cosmos to explore... Each generation comes and goes, Yet each heart beats alone, Each mind must learn until life's close, For by this quest we're known... Denis Martindale, copyright, September 2013. The poem is based on the magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford called 'High Noon'.