Mother Cheetah

The Mother Cheetah stood her ground Surveying all to see, In silence, not a single sound, Portraying mystery... As if some strange event was close, Not knowing good or bad, Because such truths God only knows, The future, glad or sad... I watched intrigued, my camera raised, Then waited, poised like her, For sudden movement when she chased, Expecting just a blur... Then off she ran, my camera tracked, As I panned left to right, The prey was caught with such impact, No chance for further flight... I couldn't take a picture though, Some photos I can choose, Instead of yes, my heart said, 'No..' And then I must refuse... My awesome photo had to wait, Another time and place, Because I'd rather celebrate That cheetah's style and grace... Denis Martindale, copyright July 2016. A poem based on a magnificent wildlife painting by Stephen Gayford. Google-search phrases gayford prints and 'Stephen Gayford poetry'.