Trodden Footsteps Poem by Denis Martindale

Appearing from the undergrowth
The jaguar came near,
My guide and I, we saw it both,
Excitement turned to fear...
We stood our ground, remained unseen,
My camera caught it well
And if fate didn't intervene,
We'd have a tale to tell!

Of course I gulped, to see the cat,
So close-up, no way out,
But I was brave and didn't scat,
So let's clear up that doubt...
The jaguar stopped suddenly,
His trodden footsteps calmed,
As if quite unexpectedly
His senses were alarmed...

The game was up! I heard some noise!
My guide had scarpered fast!
The jaguar then made his choice,
Saw him and then ran past...
I turned around and watched them run,
Escaped the other way...
I'm not ashamed of what I've done...
I lived another day!