Snow Wolf

Distinctive markings on his coat Disguise the snow wolf well, As if the snow had kissed his throat So that we couldn't tell... Yet close up through binoculars, We see that canine face And suddenly our memory jars With warnings we can trace... This is no gentle friend of Man, In whom we'd grant our trust, But rather one we'd choose to ban, Because we simply must... Each creature that survives on Earth Has something new to say... And wildlife paintings prove their worth Each time we gaze their way... He's not a trophy that I'd choose To grace my hearth and home, Yet at a painting I'd peruse, Just like I'd read a poem... We know he can be terrible And frightening, night or day... Yet isn't he quite beautiful? Majestic in a way... Denis Martindale, copyright, October 2010. The poem is based on the magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford called 'Snow Wolf'. More Stephen Gayford poems here: denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com