The Cub

He was born with 5 others in the cave
at first, blind, small and helpless
relying on his mother for his needs
just a little ball of fur and limbs

Swiftly he grew, doubling in size weekly
now taking an interest in his surroundings
tumbling and rough housing with his siblings
learning all he would need to know

His mother started to bring back prey still alive
so they could practice their catch and kill skills
each day he explored a bit further away
excited by the sights, sounds and smells.

At six months he left his mother and siblings
now he was on his own with territory to find
he was not yet strong enough to fight others
so prime territory, at present, out of question

Becoming nomadic he ranged far and wide
returning sometimes for a day or two
just biding his time as he filled out
the following spring it was now his time.

He returned to the valley and challenged,
soon met by the male who ruled here
they fought very evenly matched for hours
At last our cub was the victor of all

Not knowing that his rival had been his dad
for such is nature, red in tooth and claw
savage yes, but the fittest must survive
To ensure the prosperity of future generations.


I have deliberately not said what animal I wrote this about but left it open to reader
interpretation.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Lamoureux Avatar
February 2, 2014 at 9:03 AM
To me this sounds like a bear. Well told story Shadow.
Hamilton Avatar
February 2, 2014 at 8:22 PM
it can be whatever you like Rick lol ty Shadow x smile hug
Dietrich Avatar
February 1, 2014 at 10:07 PM
that is nature's way!! You wrote of it very well. And I can think of a number of animals it may have been. The fighting with dad reminded me of lion king. But are baby lions called cubs? hmmm. I do not know enough about nature!!
Hamilton Avatar
February 2, 2014 at 8:21 PM
hi Andrea ty very much yes baby lions are called cubs and it would fit well. I like wildlife documentaries you learn so much. Shadow x smile hug
Kayode Avatar
February 1, 2014 at 12:02 PM
Another great work Shadow,kudos. Kayod5.
Hamilton Avatar
February 2, 2014 at 8:21 PM
ty Kayod5 hope you had a good day Shadow x smile hug
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