The Cheetah, 
dare I cheaply pun, 
is a cheat.
Why are the camel and giraffe 
criticized as ungainly
when the cheetah’s out of all proportion 
to other bigger cats.
Over long and boringly spotted
(and, my dear, that false tear!)

It can only out-run for short distances.
No long-distance stamina.
But just listen how 
the commentators and cameramen enthuse 
whooping as if still at school athletics –
‘Such speed’ ‘Such skill!’ ‘Gotcher!’ ‘What a kill!’
And then give a Guinness Book of Records smirk.

For my part, I’d prefer an antelope, 
old, infirm, disabled, 
to outrun, dodge and outleap the cheetah.

And as for that silly false tear!

“Don’t you think it makes me a good predator?
A caring carnivore? Vulnerable to bigger cats.”

Sad Clown stuff 
face-painted on.

John Dixon