Island Retreat Poem by Denis Martindale

The panther walked with cubs close by,
With thirsty thoughts to soothe,
Till then, there'd be that question why
The cubs were on the move...
But parents know ahead of time
The basic facts of life,
A drink of water tastes sublime,
It tends to ease one's strife...

So water was the thought that drove
The panther straight ahead,
Towards a wondrous treasure trove,
That's where the cubs were led...
So that they'd learn of Paradise,
A place to drink and bathe,
A secret shared among the wise,
Their very lives to save...

A precious rock was waiting there,
With water all about,
A tiny island without care,
Where faith dispelled all doubt...
Where panthers rest, their thirst relieved,
Just taking in the day,
As if with brand new hope perceived,
Received and here to stay...