Aristocrat Poem by Denis Martindale

Behold the lion, the noble cat,
Defiant all day long.
The perfect, great aristocrat,
Majestic and so strong.
Profound provider for the pride,
Tenacious and extreme.
A fierce some creature! Run and hide!
Don't stare as in a dream!

Adorned, he stands, with golden mane,
So regal and refined!
Up close, he snarls with bold disdain!
Why should he fear Mankind?
Perhaps you've studied in College
And learnt a thing or two...
Survival skills give him the edge...
He'll get the best of you!

Yes, courage is his middle name,
His bravery's well-known,
Each eye is like a fiery flame,
Each tooth is hard as stone.
Each claw extends as tension grows,
As instincts change his mood!
It's then the lion truly knows,
It's time to hunt for food...

Like him, I think I'll stay alert...
I think he'd understand
That I won't risk my getting hurt...
I'll never shake his hand!
I won't approach and stroke his fur
Or pat him on the head...
The only thing that would occur,
Is that I'd end up dead!

copyright, Denis Martindale.

The poem is based on the magnificent
wildlife painting by Stephen Gayford
called 'Aristocrat'.