Cheetah Chase

Sand Boarding in the Swakopmund sand dunes, Namibia Insect on wire, Kgalagadi National park

CHEETAH CHASE

For Ilda, Margot and Zara after we all witnessed our first Cheetah chase at Etosha Game Reserve, Namibia 1st April 2011

Proud and elegant in golden grass
A lithe cat in another class.
Its ears pinned back to catch the sounds
Sniffing the breeze, watching mounds.
She glides along like a shadow
Crouched and waiting in a hollow.
Across the plain the Springbuck graze
Oblivious in the sun they laze.
They bleat and frolic and lie around
Enjoying the rich grass abound.
Ever closer the fine cat does steal
Preparing her attack with zeal.
Downwind she waits like a rock
Watching her prey, taking stock.
Then suddenly she strides towards the herd
And up above a massive bird.
A vulture watching like a ghost
Waiting to pounce and make the most.
But now the Cheetah is in full dash
And only then the buck sees the flash.
In a flurry she’s on her feet
Soon to be Cheetah meat.
Her frantic sprint is in vain
The cheetahs speed is insane
They twist and turn in a fatal duel
The cheetah’s strength oh so cruel.
Her lethal claws tear into flesh
Blood spews forth red, and fresh.
In a cloud of dust the race is done
The cheetah her vital trophy has won.
And suddenly again all is serene
Maybe it was all just a dream.