I'M Awake!

The lion cub and lioness Were nestling side-by-side, In solitude meant to express Their hope, their joy, their pride... The lion cub was quite fatigued, Despite his sunshine stroll And that was why they both agreed The rest would make him whole... Of course, he slept beneath the sun, He had no stamina, He was not yet the mighty one, Not yet the rising star... His little legs were tired out, Recovering quite soon, With him then running all about, Till evening brought the moon... For now, his sleep restored and healed, As long as she stayed close, Protecting him as if a shield, With love that daily grows... This time for her, was just as good, It brought a welcome break, Before he prowls the neighbourhood, Declaring, 'I'm awake! ' Denis Martindale, copyright, June 2013. The poem is based on the magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford called 'I'm Awake'. More Stephen Gayford poems here: denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com