I wrote these poems for my family’s Christmas presents in 2014. (Note: My Mom’s poem is not here because she watched me write these poems.)
Cheetah
(For Tempest)
faster than a heartbeat,
yet slower than light.
hunters race behind her
trying to catch her in near sight.
while birds
strike away from her
shocked in full flight.
wolf
(For Dad)
I make a stun
to the eye
without a sound
I catch my prey
to the eye
I am a god
I catch prey
with no work needed
I am a god
of all the mountains
with no work needed
I create a den
of all the mountains
I favor mine
I create a den
for the forest
I favor mine
over the king’s castle
for the forest
I am their king
skunk
(For Desmond)
through the night
two keen eyes pop out
careful not to be seen
he walks our yard
hoping not to show his cards
he pounces on his prey
scared to pay the price of removal
he stays hidden
with his life on the line
clouded leopard
(For Racecar)
I race to a tree, with my body full of fright
with my body full of fright, I run from a bear
I run from a bear, away from my cubs
away from my cubs, I chase a hunter
I chase a hunter, into his own trap
into his own trap, I catch an antelope
I catch an antelope, with my own four paws.
