Silent Approach...

In daylight, like all leopards seen, This leopard's lost control, No longer confident and keen As he was on the whole... But when a subtle shadow's close, This leopard merges in, His mystery then grows and grows, With much more chance to win... He's not just playing hide-and-seek, To him, it's not a game, He's not some cheetah, fast and sleek, He needs time taking aim... If not for silent stealth and guile, He'd take too long to feed And so he waits with patient smile, Determined to succeed... That's why he's such a blatant beast, No mercy to forgive, He's tried his best to say the least, His cunning's helped him live... No bow and arrow at his side, No lance or spear to use, No conscience serving him as guide, Just one path he must choose... Denis Martindale, copyright, January 2014. The poem is based on the magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford called 'Silent Approach'. Find more wildlife poems using Google search for the search phrase Stephen Gayford poetry.