Siblings Poem by Denis Martindale

The cheeky cheetah cubs looked calm,
Until they heard a sound...
Then they looked up, alert to harm,
For dangers to be found.
The world was not a friendly place
Where everything went well.
The cubs stared straight, this truth to face
And nought could break the spell.
Transfixed like statues borne of stone,
As cold as marble now...
They searched for new clues, all alone,
So they'd survive somehow.
Like cuddly kittens, side-by-side,
Their battles must be picked.
Sometimes to fight, sometimes to hide,
Or maybe they'd been tricked...
Breathe easy, lads, the coast is clear...
No need to wear a frown.
You scaredy-cats! No need to fear -
You're safe, so settle down...
Their trembling whiskers twitched away!
Their tails swished to and fro!
Then one long sigh as if to say,
'Well, how were we to know? '
One day must come when they'll stand tall,
Full grown as adult males,
So everyone can hear them call
As they explore new trails.
They'll run like shooting stars above -
Two brothers, siblings still...
United in their lifelong love,
With every hunting skill...
Their common destiny awaits -
Who knows if they'll be blessed?
We only know that God creates...
Yet each must do his best...


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