Back 2 Back
Two meerkats stared, one left, one right,
On guard, my friends, on guard!
With whiskers twitching, what a sight!
Eyes scanning yard by yard...
Thus back to back, coats intertwined,
Two heroes braved their foes
And while they posed there so inclined,
They knew they mustn't doze...
But it was warm and things were calm
And heads were heavy, too,
Yet they must stand and raise alarm
So nothing could get through...
But eyelids weren't as fast to raise
As at the start of day,
Then staring eyeballs start to glaze
And wobbly legs give way!
Two meerkats almost dozing till
One heard the other snore!
'That wasn't me! ' said he, quite still,
The other to implore!
The dozy meerkat stood up straight,
His weakness to discard!
They also serve who stand and wait!
On guard, my friends, on guard!
poem by Denis Martindale
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Always Awake
Three meerkats perched on yonder rock,
Their transfixed eyes steadfast,
Their predators, of course, to block,
No chance that they'd get past...
Alert, on guard, thoughts kept in check,
Three meerkats stood their ground,
Perchance to see a distant speck
Or hear a far-off sound...
No uniform could represent
The valour in plain sight,
For family and sentiment,
Right there in broad daylight...
Defiant to the uttermost,
Resilient through and through,
As if some great eternal boast,
'We'll stay on guard for you! '
Three meerkats, simple souls, no more,
Yet bold as brass each day,
That's something we'd best not ignore -
Courageous, come what may!
Stand tall, like meerkats throughout time,
Like heroes, know your place!
That way, you'll always be sublime...
No matter what you face!
Denis Martindale, copyright, May 2012.
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Always Awake'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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On Guard
It's no good sitting on the fence,
Complaining life's too hard!
For surely it would make more sense
If you remained on guard! ?
Like meerkats do, the whole day long,
Regardless of the cost,
Defiant 'gainst the giant throng,
Refusing to be bossed!
Two meerkats faced their mighty foes,
Their whiskers all a-twitch!
Yet knowing they'd not come to blows,
'Cos they could swiftly switch!
Like lightning streaks across the sky,
Or comets chasing stars!
They'd leave their foes still asking, 'Why? '
Still standing, facing grass!
You may not be a meerkat, friend...
With dugouts underground,
But there are tactics you can lend,
Defences all around...
Some extra locks, some smoke alarms
And some insurance, too...
They're bound to ease your sweaty palms!
So think like meerkats do!
Denis Martindale, copyright, October 2010.
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'On Guard'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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Catching the Sun
Two meerkats stood on tippy-toes
With both of them alert,
On guard against all nearby foes,
So no friends would get hurt...
Defenders every sun-filled day,
Like knights of old they stood!
Defiantly, for come what may,
Determined to be good!
Their little hearts were filled with love
As they stayed side-by-side
And though they didn't look that tough,
Their friends were filled with pride...
To think, that meerkats prove their worth,
With courage shining through,
Yet live their lives beneath the earth,
To do what meerkats do...
They don't have mansions, boats or cars,
They don't own stocks or bonds,
They don't have gold or silver bars
Or fancy hair like blondes!
They're merely meerkats, nothing more,
So there's no great pretence...
But there's one thing you can be sure,
They're loved by all their friends!
(August 2011/The poem is based on the
magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford
called 'Catching The Sun')
poem by Denis Martindale
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Attentive
When meerkats stand and stare and stare,
Attentive they must be,
As if to prove how much they care
For friends and family...
No wonder, then, they gain respect,
From humans far and wide,
As from such duties none neglect
As they stand side-by-side...
Their little eyes are on alert,
Their little minds on guard,
In hopes that none of them get hurt,
For tragedies hit hard...
While other meerkats scampered near
As if life seemed a ball,
Two meerkats stood, no sign of fear,
Merely surveying all...
In time, some others would replace
And give these guys a rest,
For now, they stood there, poker face,
Content to do their best...
Two heroes there, one young, one old,
Four eyes as black as soot
And theirs the story to be told
Because their hearts were good...
Denis Martindale, copyright, April 2012.
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Attentive'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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Scanning The Skies
The mighty meerkat, to his friends,
Was humbly standing guard!
With vigilance that never ends,
For each must play his part!
Don't think that staring up above
Is easy all day long...
Yet his sore neck will prove his love,
If he has patience strong...
The mighty meerkat, to his mates,
Alerts when danger's near,
Then, oh, what panic he creates!
They scarper off in fear!
But until then, the meerkats roam,
Contented as can be...
Until it's time to hide at home
And snigger helplessly!
The mighty meerkat, to his pals,
Protects from predators,
The hero of the meerkat gals,
Whatever fate occurs...
They look at him, so noble there,
Defiant, proud and wise!
Yet all he does is stand and stare,
Merely scanning the skies!
Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2012.
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Scanning The Skies'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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Guardian Angel
Be my guard just for tonight, that is all Im asking for
Take me under your wing, I cant make it anymore
I am so full of fear, may you read a book to me
And when the shadows grow wont you stay with me
Will you be my guard tonight. that is all Im asking for
Will you be my guard tonight, that is all I need to know
Be my guard beside my bed, that is all I need to know
Will you please hold my hand, dont you ever let it go
All the wonders of the world for a little second more
I cant speak but cant you see, its your touch Im crying for
Will you be my guard tonight. that is all Im asking for
Will you be my guard tonight, that is all I need to know
Be my guard just until dawn, when I can hear the birds again
Im as helpless as can be, will you guard my little flame
If we never meet again, you shall always keep in mind
That you were my guard tonight, that you were my guard tonight
Will you be my guard tonight. . .
song performed by by Alphaville
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Lookout Post
The meerkats stood on tippy toes,
For danger was afoot!
Where it would strike, nobody knows
And yet they must stay put!
So one looked left and one looked right
And one looked up and down!
To some, the meerkats looked a sight,
With each one, Nature's clown!
But times were hard and foes were fast!
So fast, they were a blur!
While unwarned victims were aghast,
The wise were quick to stir!
They didn't hang around and say,
'Ooh, look! That's not so good! '
They scarpered quick, got clean away
And left the neighbourhood!
Forewarned, forearmed, four feet, then gone...
To snigger underground!
To safely hide from light that shone,
No longer to be found!
The game went on to their delight,
For hours at a time...
It's very hard for foes to bite
A meerkat in his prime!
United they stand! Together!
Survivors to the end!
Yes, meerkats are very clever!
Just try to catch one, friend!
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Lookout Post'.
poem by Denis Martindale
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On Watch
They also serve who stand and wait,
The meerkat showed this fact.
He volunteered and stood up straight,
Determined to react!
The dust, of course, gets everywhere,
Yet there he stood and stared.
So vigilant, with utmost care,
So all his friends were spared.
While on watch he was their hero,
Courageous through and through!
His warnings kept them safe below,
Where they peeped up to view.
That's how his friends lived lives in peace,
Away from hungry eyes.
So that their numbers may increase,
Regardless of their size.
His eyes could see the predators
Before they had a chance.
Before things went from bad to worse,
He sure led them a dance!
The meerkat may not look a lot,
Four legs and fur and fluff.
But think of dangers he can spot
And how he proves his love.
poem by Denis Martindale
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Sundowners
If you've ever studied meerkats,
They're simple so-and-sos...
They're really fast and when each scats
You hardly see their toes...
When they stand tall, all nonchalant,
As if there's nothing wrong,
Like waiters in a restaurant,
They'll stand there all day long...
But if there's trouble, then watch out!
Those meerkats sure can run!
You'll not be left in any doubt,
They'll outchase anyone...
They'll stare at you with eyes like coals,
Not cowards with heads bowed.
They know their little hidey-holes,
That's where they laugh out loud!
When evening comes, their games must end,
That's when the meerkats rest...
Just like sundowners do, my friend,
Content they've done their best...
If we reflected, frame-by-frame,
Would we be filled with pride?
I wonder, could we say the same?
Or have we let things slide?
poem by Denis Martindale
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I had a heartbreaking experience when I was 9. I always wanted to be a guard. The most wonderful girl in the world was a guard. When I got polio and then went back to school, they made me a guard. A teacher took away my guard button.
quote by Francis Ford Coppola
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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To Roumania
Rifles of the Rear Guard,
Rattling through the rain,
Falling back and falling back
To make a stand again –
Rifles of the Rear Guard,
Shall you die in vain?
Rifles of the Rear Guard.
In the cold and wet;
Rifles of the Rear Guard,
We’re coming – do not fret!
The rifles of the Rear Guard
Shall be the Vanguard yet.
poem by Henry Lawson
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Close Protection
Their close protection suits them best
And that's what each provides,
For meerkats live to help the rest,
To make sure peace abides...
What use is life, if constant fears
Condemn us day-by-day?
What use is life, if all our years
Condemn us in that way?
The sentinels are now on guard!
Their eyes are everywhere!
No single clue can they discard!
Approach them if you dare!
You'll tire first, make no mistake...
Escape routes all around...
So give up now, for goodness sake!
You can't dig underground...
They'll snigger as you scratch the dirt,
Frustrated to the hilt!
They'll giggle as your claws get hurt,
For you're not that well built!
They'll wait you out till you concede
And lamely walk away...
Then they'll stand tall, on guard, take heed!
They'll never be your prey!
Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2010.
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Close Protection'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot.com
poem by Denis Martindale
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Close Family II
The meerkats posed together close,
All staring straight ahead,
Each youngster with a twitching nose
Though healthy and well fed.
Their beady eyes like polka dots,
Were blinking all the time,
Yet they were cherished tiny tots
And thought of as sublime...
Some families are known to part,
To wander far and wide,
Yet meerkats haven't got the heart,
So they stand side-by-side.
Together, like the China wall,
United, good as gold!
It's all for one and one for all,
Like musketeers of old...
If only humans were the same,
All friendly as can be,
Not seeking wealth, not seeking fame,
Just glad that they were free.
Just sharing what God gave Mankind,
This Earth that spins in space...
Like meerkats, I believe we'd find
A smile on every face...
Denis Martindale, copyright, April 2011.
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Close Family II'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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Cells
I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick:
I've a mouth like an old potato, and I'm more than a little sick,
But I've had my fun o' the Corp'ral's Guard: I've made the cinders fly,
And I'm here in the Clink for a thundering drink
and blacking the Corporal's eye.
With a second-hand overcoat under my head,
And a beautiful view of the yard,
O it's pack-drill for me and a fortnight's C.B.
For "drunk and resisting the Guard!"
Mad drunk and resisting the Guard --
'Strewth, but I socked it them hard!
So it's pack-drill for me and a fortnight's C.B.
For "drunk and resisting the Guard."
I started o' canteen porter, I finished o' canteen beer,
But a dose o' gin that a mate slipped in, it was that that brought me here.
'Twas that and an extry double Guard that rubbed my nose in the dirt;
But I fell away with the Corp'ral's stock
and the best of the Corp'ral's shirt.
I left my cap in a public-house, my boots in the public road,
And Lord knows where, and I don't care, my belt and my tunic goed;
They'll stop my pay, they'll cut away the stripes I used to wear,
But I left my mark on the Corp'ral's face, and I think he'll keep it there!
My wife she cries on the barrack-gate, my kid in the barrack-yard,
It ain't that I mind the Ord'ly room -- it's ~that~ that cuts so hard.
I'll take my oath before them both that I will sure abstain,
But as soon as I'm in with a mate and gin, I know I'll do it again!
With a second-hand overcoat under my head,
And a beautiful view of the yard,
Yes, it's pack-drill for me and a fortnight's C.B.
For "drunk and resisting the Guard!"
Mad drunk and resisting the Guard --
'Strewth, but I socked it them hard!
So it's pack-drill for me and a fortnight's C.B.
For "drunk and resisting the Guard."
poem by Rudyard Kipling
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The Sentinel
As if he were a statuette,
The meerkat struck a pose,
Without a frown, without a fret,
Serene with upturned nose...
He was like some superhero,
Cape blowing in the breeze,
While he stood firm, looked high and low,
With no thought to appease...
The meerkat was the Sentinel -
The first to raise alarm,
Called on to be reliable,
So others could stay calm...
He was the Captain in control,
The General standing guard,
The Brigadier whose heart and soul
Kept vigil long and hard.
The Sentinel's experience
Helped others take their ease
And through maintained resilience,
He stood steadfast for peace.
One meerkat can make the difference!
A hero through and through...
If he can take a noble stance,
Then why on Earth can't you! ?
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'The Sentinel'.
More Stephen Gayford poems:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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Guard And Keep It
Guard and keepn it,
Guard and love it,
Guard and use it;
For, the taste of it will surely heal you.
poem by Edward Kofi Louis
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Changing Of The Guard
It’s hard
For a young upstart to compete with the old guard
For the old guard guards the old ways of doing business
With old business partners who also make it hard
For the young upstart
For they guard the old ways of guarding the business
From the brash and rash and flash of upstarts
But the old guard was also young at some age
Back when they fought the old guards of their days
And they too were young upstarts looking for change
Things for them seemed just as hard
And they placed each bet on each losing card
But before they knew it they were playing the old games
With the young upstarts who were looking for change
poem by P.R. Prosper
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The Fence
Around my yard there stands a fence
It keeps the outside world out and I safe within
Though the structure is not that immense
It does the purpose as which it was built for and meant.
Neighbors and strangers it keeps out of my yard
Along with their trash and pets which does it harm
I am my yards protector, landscaper and guard
As it is my beauty, and not a trash bin or someone's farm.
My fence allows and welcomes the sunshine and the wind
Mother nature is always welcomed to visit and roam
The squirrels and the birds are always welcomed in
And welcome are the bee's with the pollen they've sewn.
Around my yard there stands a fence
It protects my yard from the enemies about
Too me it makes such perfect sense
Better to stop the entering, than for me to scream and shout.
As my yard is not the playground for a child to use
Or a shortcut for many persons to walk or run
As it it my yard which I won't neglect or abuse
And the work that I do on it, it will never be done.
In the summertime there will be plants to raise
And the leaves to rake when it becomes the fall
While hoping mother nature with me will always stay
And because of my fence, it will protect it all.
Around my yard there stands a fence
It protects and guards my yard everyday of the year
To others though it might cause an offense
As though it tells the people, not to come over here.
It is my yard which is mine to raise it like a child
To cut it and groom it and keep it nice for all to see
But truly it is GOD'S acre, which I saved from the wild
Then through the wonder of nature, in life I do believe.
So as days will come you will see myself in my yard
And sometimes you might see me nervous and tense
I hate clutter and trash so from there it is always barred
Also to protect my yard and myself, is my mighty fence.
Randy L. McClave
poem by Randy McClave
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Buckingham Palace
They're changing guard at Buckingham Palace -
Christopher Robin went down with Alice.
Alice is marrying one of the guard.
"A soldier's life is terrible hard,"
Says Alice.
They're changing guard at Buckingham Palace -
Christopher Robin went down with Alice.
We saw a guard in a sentry-box.
"One of the sergeants looks after their socks,"
Says Alice.
They're changing guard at Buckingham Palace -
Christopher Robin went down with Alice.
We looked for the King, but he never came.
"Well, God take care of him, all the same,"
Says Alice.
They're changing guard at Buckingham Palace -
Christopher Robin went down with Alice.
They've great big parties inside the grounds.
"I wouldn't be King for a hundred pounds,"
Says Alice.
They're changing guard at Buckingham Palace -
Christopher Robin went down with Alice.
A face looked out, but it wasn't the King's.
"He's much too busy a-signing things,"
Says Alice.
They're changing guard at Buckingham Palace -
Christopher Robin went down with Alice.
"Do you think the King knows all about me?"
"Sure to, dear, but it's time for tea,"
Says Alice.
poem by Alan Alexander Milne
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It Was A Living Guard (Parody)
It was a living guard
I think, when reality
started. That walked off his piece of lawn
feeling affectionate,
laying down his head and wordless
against the tree,
became friends with it.
A first tree
from which he as a guard
paced off his way,
while it screamed next to him,
he pulled
and the stem was stripped off to the top,
until he saw:
the awakening of a young branch
that after the first pruning
carefree
started flowering.
But when the tree started to shake and offspring
started budding into the corner of the garden,
growing under the tablecloth,
to the woman, nobody in that summer
thought
to tell the guard
about the meaning. It was a living guard,
if I do not have it wrong,
that walked away from his piece of lawn.
poem by Gert Strydom
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