Mother's Favourite, Too

The lioness had cubs her own, She watched them one by one, She knew when these were fully grown, They'd walk tall in the sun... Replacing adults in their prime, As generations change, And while their lives seemed so sublime, Each death was still quite strange... For now, these cubs were playing games, Like siblings on the prowl, Content to live with short-lived aims, Chew tails, bite ears, then scowl... But later years would offer more, With independent thoughts, Not just these cubs sometimes at war, Exploring games and sports... That's why the lioness watched now, Each strength and weakness clear, Still with the chance to guide somehow, Improve each cub held dear... Responsible and sensible, Determined to preserve, To teach the cubs most gullible, That even these have worth... Denis Martindale December 2016. 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...