Himalayan Highlander

Serene snow leopard, high above, Survivor to the end, Regardless if no-one to love, Not even as a friend... Alone, almost unseen, yet still, Determined to survive, Highlander, there, upon a hill, Where few could stay alive... Deserving of respect at least, Some admiration, too, A cunning soul, a fearsome beast, Yet cold the whole day through... Protected simply by his coat, With bristles as his fur, Preserving like an antidote Whatever may occur... I cannot envy such a cat, A predator, that's all And hardly an aristocrat When Winter comes to call... Tenacity is there to see Upon his frame and face, If living grants us dignity, Like us, he lives by grace... Denis Martindale, copyright, September 2013. The poem is based on the magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford called 'Himalayan Highlander'.