The Guardians
A new babe joined the elephants
And they were standing proud!
Another life that would enhance
Their pleasant nomad crowd.
Another chance lo learn life's choice,
Its ups and downs as well...
To face each foe with all his ploys,
Yet victories to tell...
The elephants were guardians,
Defiant to the end...
Resourceful with resilience,
Their small one to defend.
They formed a wall on either side,
A challenge to be faced...
And like a shepherd each would guide
This child that they embraced.
They had love's language all their own...
Their tender touches, too.
For by these acts and kindness shown,
Each soul says, 'I love you! '
A father knows, a mother knows,
Such bonds cross centuries...
They blossom boldly like a rose
Whose perfume sails the breeze...
Such tenderness we'll not forget,
Of that, there's just no chance!
There's one sure thing that you can bet,
God loves these elephants!
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'The Guardians'.
poem by Denis Martindale
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Drinking Session
Behold the mighty elephants
Now standing side-by-side!
As if they all were drinking friends,
With all mouths opened wide!
With loud guffaws and 'One more, please!
And let's come back real soon...'
As if their lives were such a breeze,
They'd sing a merry tune!
They've wet their whistles, that's for sure,
Those elephants with trunks!
And if that water wasn't pure,
They'd all be drunk as skunks...
But water's good enough for them!
That sun is way too hot!
Yet a wee drink solves that problem,
'Ah, yes, that hits the spot! '
Behold the mighty elephants
Still splashing here and there!
And yet all life on this depends
And water's sometimes rare!
They lap it up, 'Let's seize the day!
Let's party, while life's good! '
In fact, they had so much to say,
They woke the neighbourhood!
Denis Martindale, copyright,2011.
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Drinking Session'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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Sun Factor 30
Beneath the sun that shone above,
The elephants and calf
Stood close together, blessed by love,
As they walked on their path...
To them, the sun was light and heat,
Their friend along the way,
Somehow it made their lives complete,
All the livelong day...
They knew the sun felt tired, too,
Though it seemed Heaven sent...
As like a bird it slowly flew,
As on its way it went...
The same direction, side-to-side,
So patient, yet so strong...
To them, a constant faithful guide
That never steered them wrong...
Beneath the sun that shone above,
The calf would grow and grow...
One day, he would be tall enough,
With two long tusks for show...
Till then, his Mum and Dad stayed close,
As proud as proud could be,
To watch him blossom like the rose,
Their son for all to see...
(July 2011/The poem is based on the
magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford
called 'Sun Factor 30'.)
poem by Denis Martindale
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Safety In Numbers
The elephants walked gently by,
Their leather trunks hung curled...
A tender twinkle in each eye,
Not a care in the world...
Just one foot was marching forward
In time with all the rest...
Knowing that all was well and good
And feeling somewhat blessed...
It's nice to watch such gentle grace,
A rhythm all their own...
As if somehow they owned the place
And this was always known...
No need for tusks to swing and hit,
No need to stand their ground,
No need to make a fight of it
Or throw their weight around...
Their confidence was plain to see,
Their offspring showed no fear...
In fact, it almost seemed to me
They smiled from ear-to-ear...
They ate the food that God supplied
And drank from streams He made,
As if He were their gracious guide
Whose love would never fade...
The elephants walked gently by,
Their leather trunks hung curled...
A tender twinkle in each eye,
Not a care in the world...
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Safety In Numbers II'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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Guardians Of The Den
Behold the untamed meerkats there
Now side-by-side on guard,
As if the whole wide world to dare,
As if all else were barred...
Each stare's just meant to make it clear,
'Clear off, the lot of you!
There's no-one here who wants you here!
So you know what to do! '
Bravado's such a wondrous thing
In ones as small as these,
As if to leave us wondering,
Can they do as they please?
For each one's a tiny meerkat
And not that tall in height!
So who are they, to make us scat,
To scarper left and right?
To you and I, they're not that strong,
Courageous, yes, but weak,
To fight with them would just seem wrong,
Their faces look so meek...
Let's let them be all they can be,
Just visit now and then,
So we can come back soon to see
The guardians of the den...
Denis Martindale, copyright, December 2012.
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Guardians Of The Den'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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In The Footsteps Of Giants
The tiny distant dustcloud loomed
As I surveyed the scene,
Turned out much more than first assumed
And nothing like serene...
The elephants were running fast
As I stared in surprise,
Quite terrified and then aghast,
Like giants to my eyes...
Amid the whirling storm they charged,
Head on, not left or right,
The wildlife fleeing as they barged,
Like victims taking flight...
For who would stand against the herd?
Or try to block their way?
The thought of it was quite absurd!
We'd all be squashed like clay!
I took some photos just in time,
Then I was out of there!
Thank God! My pictures were sublime!
The answer to my prayer!
To think, I lived to tell the tale,
With proof that serves enough...
Although my face turned deadly pale,
Those elephants I love!
Denis Martindale, copyright, May 2012.
The poem is based on the magnificent painting by
Stephen Gayford called 'In The Footsteps Of Giants'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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Eye To Eye
I like most elephants I've seen,
I like them, yes, I do...
I like it when they don't act mean,
I like how they swim, too...
I like the way that each one grins,
I like their tusks like nails...
I like their wrinkled leather skins,
I like their swishing tails...
I like it that they look so wise,
I like their marching troop...
I like the twinkles in their eyes,
I like their ears that droop...
I like the way they walk along,
I like their patient grace...
I like it most that while they're strong,
Thank God, they know their place...
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Eye To Eye'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Old Friends
So comfortable together,
They now marched side-by-side,
Though their hides were tough as leather,
They strode along with pride...
Their fiercesome tusks like scimitars,
Their eyes as dark as night,
With tiny twinkling nestled stars
Inside them, shining bright...
Their feet as tough as army boots
Sent trembling through the ground...
Like old friends, as if in cahoots,
Just swaggering around...
Defiant against any foe!
Just bring it! If you dare!
They'd fight them all, give blow for blow,
As if they didn't care...
The other creatures gave them space...
Why make the giants mad?
Why anger them, so they give chase...
And lose the life you had?
And so, the old friends swaggered by,
Like playground bullies do...
Bull elephants! Don't ask them why,
If you know what's good for you...
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Old Friends'.
The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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African Giant
Across the plains of Africa, elephants come and go,
There lives this mighty superstar, that most have come to know.
This is no small thing you can pet or treat as if a child...
For he's as tall as you can get and sometimes he gets wild!
If he runs at you all at once, don't stand there, waiting, friend!
Don't wave to him and act the dunce, for soon, your life will end!
This creature's one you won't forget! He'll dance upon your grave!
To run away, that's your best bet, if your life you would save!
African giant, please stay there! Let's keep things peaceful now.
You're big enough to show some care, to let me live somehow...
I won't approach your giant frame or challenge you to fight...
Let common wisdom be our aim and please, let's stay polite!
The plains are big enough for us... The sun is way too hot...
And running's such an awful fuss and in the end, for what?
You'd be upset! I'd be upset! And each would look the fool...
No need for us to build a sweat... Let's choose to play it cool.
Relax! Calm down! OK, alright! Breathe in and out. That's good.
You're doing great! It's out of sight. You see, I knew you could!
I'm not the kind to hurt a fly... Let's settle down, OK?
Let's watch each moment pass us by... Let's both enjoy the day...
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'African Giant'.
poem by Denis Martindale
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Proud Mother
Within this world of wondrous things,
Snow leopards learn to live...
From gentle cubs, as underlings,
To parents, life to give.
To each his own, that's how it goes,
The male and female breed,
Such that new life within her grows,
Until they, too, are freed...
Then all at once those cubs must learn
What life is all about,
And thus, in time, respect to earn,
No longer rules to flout...
They choose to serve within a team,
Survival to ensure,
No matter if through acts extreme
That shake us to the core...
Their mother is their constant guide
And yet their closest friend.
That's why she looks on them with pride
Until the bitter end...
For she's known love and she's known death
And yearns to stay alive...
Until she breathes her final breath,
She'll help them to survive...
Denis Martindale, copyright, January 2011.
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Proud Mother'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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Evening Drinks
The elephants had made their way
To where the water was,
The mother and her calf to stay
Until their time to cross...
And only then, when all seemed well,
Some evening drinks to share,
God's miracle was there to tell
That He had heard their prayer...
Another feast of simple things
That made their lives worthwhile,
Before the evening dark night brings
God's moon above in style...
Mid fading light and softening heat,
The calf felt precious peace,
The kind that comes when life's complete
And wonders never cease...
The mother's heart was filled with joy,
A tear came to her eye...
And love like that none should destroy,
No need to question why...
Just evening drinks, tranquillity,
Unspoken heart-filled awe,
Good company and harmony...
Now who could ask for more?
Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2012.
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Evening Drinks'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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Forever Friends
Oh... how could I forget you guys?
My joy on you depends!
In fact, you two have been so nice,
Let's stay forever friends!
Through thick and thin, through fast and slow,
Through here, there, everywhere,
Through every day God lets us grow,
You're in my every prayer!
That's how it was for these guys now,
Three elephants who knew
The joy that comes when folks allow
Those three words, I LOVE YOU!
They shared a bond, a partnership,
As they stood side-by-side...
And interlocked, their trunks would grip,
Like handshakes full of pride.
The adults watched these three at play...
In this, their neighbourhood.
You know, I think it's safe to say,
They made their hearts feel good...
Togetherness is love's reward,
If we invest the time...
Like when we're praying to the Lord,
His presence is sublime...
God blesses those who learn to love...
Through faith that never ends!
His precious ones are known above
As His forever friends...
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Forever Friends'.
poem by Denis Martindale
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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The Hole In The Wall Gang
The meerkats work as if a team,
Each one must play his part...
Each knows that life can get extreme,
So why be torn apart?
Together they've now formed a gang...
Each stands up for himself!
Why fight with claw? Why fight with fang?
Why risk your state of health?
Run like the wind! Get out of sight!
Go underground, be safe!
Don't give your enemy delight!
Don't face him! Don't be brave!
While he's up there, he's on his own!
He doesn't stand a chance!
You're underground because you've flown!
Your lifespan to enhance!
He'll soon get bored and wander off...
He knows you'll not get caught!
You'll join the gang, his plight to scoff...
Because it came to nought!
The gang's all here, not one was lost!
The hunter's far away...
Poor soul, he's learnt to count the cost...
'Good riddance! ' they all say!
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'The Hole In The Wall Gang'.
The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Tenderness
The Summer's heat can calm the soul
Of creatures great and small
And with this comes their self-control
With tenderness for all.
Thus lions walk without remorse,
So close they're side-by-side...
As if they'd lost their callous claws
And conscience was their guide.
At times like these, when peace holds sway
And there's no need to frown,
The alpha male looks not for prey
Or ways to prove his crown...
He merely walks, like sovereigns do,
In courtyards near their homes,
Next to the ones whose love is true
As told in precious poems.
From Nature's plan their cubs proceed,
Born free like royalty,
The lionesses know their need
And sacred destiny...
The cubs bring joyful times of play,
Affection now and then,
Thus lionesses lead the way -
Life's circle turns again...
The Summer's heat grants memories
When life was oh so sweet
And suddenly it brings release
So that the heart's complete...
That's when blessed lions fall in love
And think that life's sublime...
And then they're not so rough and tough
Because it's tenderness time...
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Tenderness II'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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Contented Mother
Behold the truth in black and white,
Two Pandas truly blessed,
Together, what a wondrous sight,
No wonder we're impressed!
There's the mother, so contented,
As proud as proud can be...
There's the baby there, presented,
For all the world to see!
To think, the mother's lived so long,
Endangered though she is,
Yet now her hopes are oh so strong,
Her heart's now filled with bliss...
Her baby's barely got a clue,
Yet peace seems everywhere,
A tender touch says, 'I love you! '
For true love's in the air!
Yet each father, mother, baby
Needs something to be done!
Each Panda has a destiny,
If Man protects each one...
Consider wildlife charities,
Can you provide support?
The chiefest of all remedies
Is that we spare a thought...
Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2012.
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Contented Mother'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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Thirsty Travellers
When zebras migrate plain to plain
They brave the hunters, too,
These travellers have much to gain
As each one sees it through...
Consider running to and fro,
Attacked on either side,
Then panicked, wondering where to go,
When there's no place to hide...
Such are the burdens each must face
The whole day long, no doubt,
In seeking some great resting place,
Like that's what life's about...
Survivors left to tell the tales
Of how, somehow, they lived,
Despite the fact another fails
And loses life's sweet gift...
Thirsty travellers find the shore,
To line up cautiously,
To face the crocodiles and more
Takes utmost bravery...
Each baptised zebra takes his chance,
With courage rarely known...
In hopes, somehow, the odds enhance
When none there swims alone...
Denis Martindale, copyright, December 2012.
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Thirsty Travellers'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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A Mother's Protection
The zebra foal's Mother was wise,
She kept the foal at bay,
So that no other zebra tries
To coax her foal away...
And so they bond the first few days,
Beneath the searing sun
And thus the foal with Mother stays...
Its life has just begun.
Together now and side-by-side,
The two unite with love,
A sight that fills the Lord with pride
As He looks from above...
For love is all that has true worth,
To stand the test of time...
Ask anyone upon this Earth,
They'll tell you it's sublime...
The foal is destined to survive,
If given proper care
And left to live will surely thrive
With Mother standing there...
As decades come, as decades go,
Each zebra roams the land,
Content to see the whole herd grow
The way that God has planned...
Denis Martindale, copyright, October 2012.
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'A Mother's Protection'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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Doting Parent
The Mother penguin gazed upon
The gift God gave to her
And there they stayed as God's light shone
On all that could occur...
Togetherness now warmed their hearts,
Just like the sun above,
Because that's how all friendship starts...
It's purely based on love...
That's why they stared without a word
Into each other's eyes,
As if God's truth inside them stirred
So that they'd realise...
That love was all we need to give,
Beyond it nothing more,
For it endures the life we live,
So steadfast and so sure...
The winds may blow, the snow may fall,
The storms may rage all day,
Yet when true love makes its first call,
You know it longs to stay...
That's why the little one we see
Will one day share love, too,
With its own child that's yet to be,
Both thinking, 'I love you! '
Denis Martindale, copyright, January 2012.
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Doting Parent'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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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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Handsome
To think that the adult lion
Was once a tiny thing.
So his mother kept her eye on
This one who would be king.
She knew that he was full of life,
Vivacious, full of fun!
Yet he must learn to conquer strife
And fight until he's won.
No easy street, no gentle road,
No straight smooth path ahead...
For him, there was a higher code,
Just like a thoroughbred...
Each day would be a battlefield,
Pretenders for his throne,
Contenders waiting still concealed
Until they are full grown...
For now he was a handsome beast
With tiny hidden scars...
Aware that others never ceased,
He dare not let them pass...
He met each challenge with a sneer
And then a grisly growl...
Yet knowing he would win and jeer
And hear his loser howl...
It's Nature's way... it's raw, it's wild,
It's life and death, my friend...
No place for those so meek, so mild,
With no thought to defend...
This handsome lion knows his worth,
His offspring know it, too...
His mother knew it from his birth...
A winner through and through!
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Handsome'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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Sheer Comfort
The lion cub was awfully glad,
So was his mother, too...
Reflecting on the life they had,
Affection grew and grew...
The sun was shining on the trees,
The mountains and the plains...
And there was such a gentle breeze...
Life had no stress or strains...
Of course they knew this wouldn't last,
Yet this would do for now!
Sheer comfort till the moment passed,
Till God would disallow...
They both breathed gently side-by-side,
Contentment shared in time...
At peace, they stared, eyes opened wide,
Recalling sights sublime...
They shared no silver, owned no gold,
They wore no jewellry...
Yet they had wealth and love untold
To last eternity...
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Sheer Comfort'.
The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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