Tenderness shown
to the young of all species
human baby or lion cub –
defence, food.,
comfort, shelter
The photograph was taken my 11-year-old-grandson Fraser on a school/family trip to Kenya last month. I admire greatly the way he throws himself into any new experience that comes his way. At one point, he and his mother taught the song London’s Burning to the pupils of a large primary school miles from anywhere. The teacher took 2 hours to walk to the school each morning because he couldn’t afford a bicycle. Sally is going to organize a sponsored event to raise money to provide bikes for these teachers.
For some more wonderful animal pictures from this trip, visit Northumberland and Beyond/
for dVerse poets pub Open Link Night
Vivinfrance's Blog 
Sounds like they had an amazing time! I’ll go and look 🙂
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That’s beautiful!
Well done to all of them for supporting such a worthy cause.
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If only there were more tenderness around. Thanks for sharing good, positive news
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I think genes are hard wired to care for the young, at some very basic level as it does seem to be at least a general mammalian instinct-I can’t speak for reptiles. Your poem speaks to this beautifully and what a pic! k.
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Thanks for this, Viv. Fraser is doing good work. In fact, the fundraiser can be seen as showing the kind of love toward another that this lion is showing her cub. Unconditional, true. Amy
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Despite its brevity, this poem has a lot to think about in it. My mind wandered to not just animals, but to the refugee situation, and war torn & disaster hit areas, too. Beautiful picture, as well.
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Wow…. Beautiful !
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Great poem but just to put the facts right – I was supporting another lady from Ponteland who was teaching London’s Burning. Fraser was teaching lots of other stuff – mostly maths I think. The teacher who walked 2 hours to school was the ‘special needs’ teacher and HE had his own disability in that he had a deformed arm. He was an amazing teacher and had great empathy with his pupils. He was teaching local skills such as carving spoons, making reed mats and rope from sisal. More on our trip to Wanga school can be found here on our blog. My sons school is twinned with Wanga school in Kenya thanks to a small charity – Development Direct. Sally
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Awww! So sweet!
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It always touches me to see that common bond across species–mothers loving their babies.
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Comfort: that’s the word that comes to mind when I think of my mom. She is my comfort zone, that’s for sure.
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Beautiful marriage of words and image. Love it.
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yes, regardless of the species…there is nothing like the love of a mother…or the protection…smiles.
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Wonderful image.
The action being taken is commendable. Imagine four hours of walking in every school day.
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Love the brief and tender words.. so correct… and the picture is amazing..
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