In The Shadows... Poem by Denis Martindale

The leopard strives to hide away
Somewhere in the shadows,
Yet not always to stalk his prey
Or keep safe from his foes...
Sometimes the shadows grant him peace,
Sometimes his legs need rest,
Sometimes he nestles in the breeze,
That blows from east to west...

The leopard bides his time and schemes,
Till something comes along,
When he no more relies on dreams
To give chase fast and strong...
But till that next meal wanders by,
He's comfy on his own,
Hid well from scorching sun and sky,
Location still unknown...

'Surprise! Surprise! I'm over here! '
That's something he won't tell,
But come the time he must appear,
He's one chance to do well...
Then from the shadows, watch him run!
He's no time left to purr...
His coat as golden as the sun,
He's almost like a blur!


Denis Martindale, copyright, January 2014.


The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'In The Shadows'.


Find more wildlife poems using Google search
for the search phrase Stephen Gayford poetry.