Vantage Point

This tree was his, he'd staked his claim, Yes, every leaf and twig... The leopard watched approaching game, No matter, small or big... He circled round to catch the sights, To memorise them all... And while he savoured these delights, Made sure he didn't fall. His old tree wasn't quite as good, This served his purpose well... As he surveyed his neighbourhood, Its magic weaved its spell... This was a land he'd learnt to love, The best that he could roam, A palace where he'd rule above, A kingdom near his home... Yes, life was good, for him at least, Yet not for those below... For they'd learnt fast to fear the beast, To count him as their foe... The predator looked sleek, sublime, Alert both night and day... Yet from his vantage point, in time, He'd take your breath away... The poem is based on the magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford called 'Vantage Point'. More Stephen Gayford poems here: denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com