Secret Lair

The leopard left his secret lair, His homely dwelling place, Because the world had much to share That he chose to embrace... And so he left his home behind, His shelter in the shade, In search for something new to find That might come to his aid... He climbed a tall tree that he saw And then surveyed the land, The sight then thrilled him to the core, Much more than he had planned... He watched the birds build distant nests, Intrigued at patience seen, Homeowners now, not simply guests, If none should intervene... When he climbed down, no more to roam, Reflecting on that day, He gladly made the journey home And there he chose to stay... Since leopards find their Paradise, Let's hope we, too, might share The peace we count beyond all price, At home, without a care... Denis Martindale, copyright, February 2014. The poem is based on the magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford, nb Google search gayfordgallery. Find more wildlife poems using Google search for the search phrase Stephen Gayford poetry.