Winter Refuge

Snow leopards brave the cold embrace That Winter longs to share, Yet this snow leopard needed space And not the open air... So all day long he roamed to find Some shelter and some rest, So that he'd get some peace of mind, In order to feel blessed... His longdrawn efforts brought reward, A refuge dead ahead, Where all his troubles were outpoured To empty him of dread... Now not so cold he laid down fast, Some body warmth to use And thus before the day had past, He took the time to choose... Would he defend this refuge now, Each stranger to reject, Or to another's pains allow, Some company accept? Was this worth fighting for each day Against both young and old? He knew he'd fight them all the way, This place was good as gold... Denis Martindale, copyright, June 2013. The poem is based on the magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford called 'Winter Refuge'.