Wild At Heart

The lion listened as the breeze Passed gently on each side And on the ground he took his ease, Enjoying all supplied, As if this hour was a gift, A time-out if he stayed, As if to give his heart a lift As long as he delayed... Though wild at heart and strong and brave And fast upon his feet, He took the gift that God then gave For peace like this seemed sweet... A shift from darkness to the light, Contentment deep within, Such that for now this time felt right, Enough to make him grin... The lion listened, heartbeat slow, His muscles not so tense, Beneath the sunshine's gentle glow With all its dividends... Then suddenly, he roared aloud, Reminding us at length, That he, of course, was mighty proud And still quite full of strength! Denis Martindale, copyright, June 2012. The poem is based on the magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford called 'Wild At Heart'. More Stephen Gayford poems here: denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com