LesleyScoble.com

I wrote my Snow Leopard tanka in response to the 24 Seasons Syllabic Poetry Challenge, No. 9, 11/22/23, Light Snow (November – December 6). 

This week’s challenge is to write a syllabic poem using a Kigo word or phrase from a list provided. From this list I chose the Kigo word snowfall.

Snow leopard sleeping, 
murmuring in gentle mew,
softly soft as snowfall falls
on snow drifted ridges 
agleam with frozen jewels.

L.S. November 2023

Snow Leopard

This portrait of a snow leopard is painted in oils by my son, Daniel. He calls it a study. I call it a beautiful painting.

My son loves painting wildlife and paints and works to help raise awareness to threatened species.

The Snow Leopard
The elusive snow leopard (Panthers uncia) lives in the remote mountainous regions of Central and South Asia. Its beautiful, soft, spotted fur blends into the snowy landscape. 

They are creatures adapted to the harsh conditions and can leap from precipitous ridge to ridge with agility. This enigmatic cat lives a solitary existence across a wide range, making it a rare sight by man. Which adds to its mystery and enigma. 

Under Threat
This exquisite cats face threats from habitat loss, poaching, and retaliatory killings by herders protecting their livestock. 

The snow leopard is listed Vulnerable on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List.

The estimated global population of snow leopards is fewer than 10,000 and is expected to decline by 10% by 2040.

Conservation efforts aim to protect these majestic cats and preserve the fragile ecosystems they inhabit. To ensure that the mountains continue to echo with the silent grace of the snow leopard.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 
My thanks to Colleen M. Chesebro, the 24 Seasons Syllabic Poetry Challenge, No. 9

Image Credits
Snow Leopard oil painting by Daniel Perkin.
Sleeping Snow Leopard digital watercolour by me.

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Lesley lives in the City of London Square Mile. An artist, actor and sculptor (her first ceramic sculpture won the V&A inspired by… Award). Scenic artist & book illustrator, playwright, (her musical play, Rapscallion performed in inner city schools and theatre school); TV dancer; Animator and illustrator for TV production. Set up Pinecone Studios Ltd and IIMSI Ltd drama and filmmaking workshops in London – producing award-winning films made by children.