The sun shone down on the African plain.
The trees and the grass were short of fresh rain.
Giraffes munched slowly from tall thorn bushes.
Hippos in the pool were hid by rushes.
The animals came to the pool to drink
They weren’t aware of the cheetah I think.
The elephants were safe for they were strong.
The impalas could graze but not for long.
The cheetah through the long grass came slinking
Its muscles tense and its eyes not blinking.
It kept on crawling ‘til it came quite near
To the wildebeest and impala deer.
The cheetah charged it was ready to eat.
In each second it ran eighty feet.
The animals scattered and ran in fear,
The victim could not escape it was clear.
The cheetah bit its throat and down it came.
The impala died soon, it seemed a shame.
But a balance between hunter and prey
Keeps both healthy and is good in a way.
Nicely written, Dave! It's true - I know that it's natural, but it's always hard to watch a predator in action without feeling sorry for its prey. My Ngwenya, the river King is similar, and you might like Monkeys in the Trees.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Sounds like scenes from Serengeti. I always feel sorry for herbivores (and other preys) , but I also rationalize with the fact that the predators, who are flesh eaters need to feed to survive. It's such a pity. Thanks for sharing.