Taking It Easy

The cheetah simply had enough! He slowed down to a crawl... As if he'd lost all power and puff And humbly had to stall... So there he was, with tail drooped down, His jaw now opened wide, With facial markings like a frown, As if to say, 'I tried...' He slumped upon the ground to rest, Right there, at first quite cross, For even though he'd run his best, To had to face the loss... To think, that he, famed for his speed, Must now admit defeat, To think, he thought that he'd succeed With victory tasting sweet... And yet, that said, he rested now, The gentle breeze passed by, Such that it calmed his furrowed brow And brought a wistful sigh... Taking it easy soothed his soul So much it felt sublime And when he'd gained his self-control, He vowed, 'Next time! Next time! ' Denis Martindale, copyright, December 2012. The poem is based on the magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford called 'Taking It Easy'. More Stephen Gayford poems here: denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com