Romance Brews Once a Year
A young female embraces the valley’s path
Her presence a venture in morning’s grace.
The males’ eager eyes gleam stirred
by her scent, awakening their dreams.
In solitude she dwells quiet, serene till
a vernal breeding call, a window so brief—
two days—her fleeting prime, a female’s sign
ignites in the heart of mating’s passion.
No finesse in their heart’s ardent, fierce dash
males draw near to compete for breeding chance.
Her peak yet to bloom, not ready
she eludes the males, stays perched in her tree.
One male guards her, he eats to bide his time
yet she chooses not to join a feast.
Another male enters the scene, his spirit bold,
a veteran steeped in breeding’s pursuit.
From peace loving pandas to thrill seekers
claws clashing and vocals raised to challenge.
As contender backs away, the defender’s raw might
revealed too fierce to sustain—triumph for the victor
he returns to the female now ready, she climbs
from her treasured tree to meet her male, in time
she will birth a cub and raise it alone—
her warm embrace helps the cub grow strong.