In The Shade, Too

The lioness and cub remained At rest for all to see, From all their worries they refrained, To taste tranquillity... As if the nectar men spoke of, A gift for those perplexed, A symbol of God's grace and love, Defeating thoughts quite vexed... No point in walking round and round, The sun above so hot, Nor being fearful of each sound, Then rooted to the spot... With lions here and lions there, Let such as these take guard, Yes, let these take the lions' share, Her duties to discard... And so, she stayed, her cub close by, Serene, protected, safe, Not jealous of the birds that fly, Nor seeking to be brave... For now, to play her mother's role, Her cub content that day, No other aim, no other goal, But in the shade to lay... Denis Martindale June 2017. A poem based on the magnificent Stephen Gayford wildlife painting. Google search phrases gayford prints and Stephen Gayford poetry and also for Heaven and Earth Designs...