Thoughtful

The lion's craggy face was caught, One camera shot in time, When there reposed and deep in thought, Reflecting past his prime... No longer sleek, no longer swift, No longer roaring loud And life seen as a passing gift, Of which he should be proud... The alpha male had lived life well, With many battles won And brave the tales that he could tell Before the parting sun... Yet he was silent as the grave, Prepared to face his fate, For there was no-one there to save From this, the final date... When mortal creatures sense their end, How thoughtful they must be, Yet humans learn God is their friend For all eternity... The lion stared up at the sky And yet without a prayer, It's only humans who ask, 'Why? ' Eternity to share... Denis Martindale, copyright, February 2013. The poem is based on the magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford called 'Thoughtful'. More Stephen Gayford poems here: denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com