The cheeky cheetah cubs looked calm, <br />Until they heard a sound... <br />Then they looked up, alert to harm, <br />For dangers to be found. <br />The world was not a friendly place <br />Where everything went well. <br />The cubs stared straight, this truth to face <br />And nought could break the spell. <br />Transfixed like statues borne of stone, <br />As cold as marble now... <br />They searched for new clues, all alone, <br />So they'd survive somehow. <br />Like cuddly kittens, side-by-side, <br />Their battles must be picked. <br />Sometimes to fight, sometimes to hide, <br />Or maybe they'd been tricked... <br />Breathe easy, lads, the coast is clear... <br />No need to wear a frown. <br />You scaredy-cats! No need to fear - <br />You're safe, so settle down... <br />Their trembling whiskers twitched away! <br />Their tails swished to and fro! <br />Then one long sigh as if to say, <br />'Well, how were we to know? ' <br />One day must come when they'll stand tall, <br />Full grown as adult males, <br />So everyone can hear them call <br />As they explore new trails. <br />They'll run like shooting stars above - <br />Two brothers, siblings still... <br />United in their lifelong love, <br />With every hunting skill... <br />Their common destiny awaits - <br />Who knows if they'll be blessed? <br />We only know that God creates... <br />Yet each must do his best... <br /> <br /> <br />The poem is based on the magnificent painting <br />by Stephen Gayford called 'Siblings'.<br /><br />Denis Martindale<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/siblings-8/
