matthew bagley, Lots of Lions (ANIMALS 2023)

Lots of lions When I look into your deep dark eyes I see an ocean full of colour. We feel some way connected, and though you are fearful you don’t reject my presence. I feel your curiosity though I could never truly understand you. You are unconventionally beautiful. The fur on your back slick, and your whiskers coarse like wire. Folded back ears as you gaze at your reflection in my camera port. This is maybe the first time you have seen yourself. You mimick my movements. When I roll, you roll, when I dive, you dive. How rare is it to find such a playful connection with an animal. I write this for you, on behalf of you. “Take a moment and look into my eyes. Get closer. I am the one without a voice. My plea is silent but it must be heard, you hold the future of my existence. Don’t forget about me” The silence in the water becomes loud and the air in my lungs becomes heavy. It pulls me back to the surface as I remember we are from different worlds. Thank you for this moment.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.