In The Long Grass

Two bear cubs stared in the long grass, Alert, as if on guard, No friend or foe to let them pass, Yet Mum and Dad weren't barred... But truth to say, just stay a while, Look tough to one and all, But when approached, would run a mile, Or maybe trip and fall... Each gave the other courage till A stranger came along, Then they would scarper, feeling ill, Decidedly not strong.. For now, they hold their heads up high, Though somewhat raw recruits, If something moved, then watch them sigh, While shaking in their boots... Just barely holding on, you see, Till Mum and Dad return, This Twilight Zone eternity Has nothing new to learn... I bet that Mum and Dad are near And find it quite sublime To see those bear cubs full of fear, While they laugh all the time! Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2013. The poem is based on the magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford called 'In The Long Grass'.