The Wolf! Poem by Denis Martindale

The wolf survived cold Winter's breath
And Spring was on its way,
While others faced a lonely death,
No more like dogs that stray.
The wolf observed the season's change
Just as he did last year,
Aware that life itself was strange
And things remained unclear.

Just like the sun and moon and stars
Reborn, soon to depart,
He saw each hour must yet pass
With one more yet to start.
When hunger gripped him now and then,
He roamed the land to find
The next life he must take again,
No mercy on his mind.

And who are we to judge his life,
To scorn what he must do?
He sometimes kills to stay alive,
That's how each year he grew.
Behold the adult wolf with hate,
If that is how you feel,
But then recall the times you ate
Each tasty, meaty meal.


Denis Martindale, for the 29th of January 2025.


The wildlife poem is about the magnificent painting
of an adult wolf by UK artist Stephen Gayford.