Serengeti Dawn

The lion lingered as dawn edged, Relaxed and resting still, With both his front paws now outstretched Atop the sloping hill. Just basking in the warm sunshine That turned the night away, Almost as if he must recline Before he faced the day. A gentle breeze arrived on time, Just as it had before, So he remained there in his prime While others stared in awe. This spot was his and his alone, For which he once fought hard, To him, it seemed as if his throne And there he stayed on guard. Just like Mankind, once war begins, You either fight or flee, Yet now he thought himself a prince For one and all to see. He knew one day he wouldn't win, Yet now he earned his prize, Until another would begin To cut him down to size. Denis Martindale, for the 29th of January 2025. The wildlife poem is about the magnificent painting of an alpha male lion by UK artist Stephen Gayford.