Indian Tigress

The tigress was a wondrous sight, Imposing in her way, Composing majesty and might, No matter, night or day... And mother to her cubs, of course, Who showed no fear at all, Because she rarely showed her force To such as these, so small... She merely nudged them now and then, To stand and walk around, To make each know of moments when She heard a nearby sound... Or coaxed them from their sleepy sighs For something new to learn, Or else to face some strange surprise, The dangers to discern... Years come, years go, time takes its toll And Man's both foe and friend, Such that I wonder in my soul, When will such wonders end? But on the whole, her gladness grew, Such was her lot in life, Beneath that sun and sky so blue, Where each must yet survive... Denis Martindale, copyright March 2016. A poem based on a magnificent wildlife painting, by artist Stephen Gayford. Google-search gayfordgallery and 'Stephen Gayford poetry'.