Young Explorers
Two young lions surveyed the land
And paused to take it in,
As if the future could be planned,
So they would always win.
With hiding places here and there,
Shade from the burning sun
And danger spots they must beware,
Yet spaces they could run...
Life wasn't always hide and seek,
Life wasn't always bright...
For soon the day would pass its peak
And fade into the night...
Two young lions with lots to learn,
Exploring now and then.
When hunting, they must twist and turn
To help them catch again.
For now, they stood with dignity
And with a sense of pride...
Majestically and mightily,
As brothers, side-by-side.
Two young lions must carry on
The legacy of life,
Aware, they, too, will soon be gone,
Though battling to survive.
Their journey started years ago
When they were cubs at play...
Not knowing who was friend or foe,
Until they found their way...
Two young lions, aware, astute...
At one with Nature's Laws...
To children's eyes, they may look cute,
Yet watch those teeth and claws!
The young explorers hold no grudge
When things are fair and square.
Most of the time, they don't ask much...
They'll take the lions' share...
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Young Explorers'.
poem by Denis Martindale
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Bright Eyes
He really doesn't have a clue,
He's still too young to know!
He does what little lions do,
He's always on the go...
He's scratching backs, he's biting tails!
He's pouncing now and then!
He's challenging the other males!
He wins four out of ten!
His tiny teeth aren't up to much!
His smooth young claws are stubs!
His awesome ears keep him in touch
With antics of the cubs!
He dribbles and he's got no shame!
He's often known to drip...
Though every lion has his fame,
He's hardly cool or hip!
But he'll get better every day
Because he's keen to learn...
That's how great lions find their way,
In time, respect to earn!
One day and his courageous heart
Will grant him everything...
One day, he'll really look the part,
One day, he'll be a king!
Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2010.
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Bright Eyes'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot.com
poem by Denis Martindale
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Together
Two lions lounged without a care...
For neither had a qualm...
This was a moment they could share
And both enjoyed the calm...
This was a time when they could bond
Without the need to fight,
Without the need to hunt beyond
For creatures out of sight...
Two lions lounged, as time ticked by...
With other lions near,
Beneath the sky where eagles fly
And vultures may appear.
And higher still, the sun shone down
Upon the good and bad,
To make some smile, to make some frown,
Yet mostly light to add.
And higher still, God watched it all
Unfolding patiently...
A billion prayers He could recall
From folks like you and me...
Yet He observes the lions, too,
And grants each one a name...
He knows what life would make them do
As life goes on the same.
We only see through human eyes,
Yet God knows everything...
One of these lions will be wise...
He'll grow to be a king...
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Together'.
The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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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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White Prince
White lions are a rarity,
You won't see one each day...
Your eyes will stare till clarity
Assures you it's OK...
And there he is, this pure white prince,
This diamond in the rough...
He's looking cute with winsome grins,
As if something to love.
Yet he has teeth and he has claws...
And soon his hunger starts...
And then you find he breaks all laws
And disappoints our hearts.
Don't stand too close! Don't stroke his ears!
Don't look him in the eyes!
Or else your smiles will turn to tears...
You won't find him so nice!
He doesn't dance! He doesn't sing!
No cartoon cat is he!
This prince won't be your underling...
This lion was born free!
As long as you stay out of sight
And he stays on his own...
Purrhaps you might live till tonight
And then walk home alone...
The wise man knows that lions run
Much faster than he does!
Likewise, it's hard to catch someone...
Way over here.... like us!
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'White Prince'.
poem by Denis Martindale
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Staying Close
The lioness and cub laid down
And rested where they were...
As if to melt away each frown
That life makes to occur...
And in that golden time they knew
What love was all about...
Just staying close, affection grew,
Of that there was no doubt.
At times like these, they were like friends,
Their bodies side-by-side...
Upon each other, each depends,
That couldn't be denied.
For this young cub would grow as tall
With teeth and claws to match...
No longer cute and vulnerable,
Who knows what it would catch?
One day, the hunting must begin,
That's one of Nature's Laws...
Sometimes to lose, sometimes to win,
Such truth not one ignores...
Yes, life goes on, today must cease
Despite their family ties...
To take with them that precious peace,
A peace beyond all price...
(July 2011/The poem is based on the
magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford
called 'Staying Close'.)
poem by Denis Martindale
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Morning Glory
Before the sunshine starts to boil,
The creatures greet the day.
Though sunshine makes night eyes recoil,
Their sleep must melt away...
A new day dawns, a billion yawns
And weary legs arise...
Each antelope then swings his horns,
Each crocodile then cries...
The insect armies rally round,
For new food must be sought
And many stir beneath the ground
Where battles must be fought...
The lions rise up from their sleep
With focused eyes once more,
A constant vigil now to keep,
As if they're keeping score.
Gaze now upon each noble face
That lions wear with pride,
The grace we see can quite amaze,
Despite our fears inside!
The big cats mesmerise us all,
With utmost majesty!
When they stand up, they're six feet tall
And that's too tall for me!
Like us, the lions live on Earth
Beneath the sun and moon,
Each generation has its birth,
Replaced by others soon...
But while we're here, our turn to live,
We seek the common good.
Our stewardship helps us to give
And do the things we should.
The lions share their portion, too...
Each lion has his story
And to conclude, I say to you,
Let's share the morning glory...
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Morning Glory'.
poem by Denis Martindale
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Brothers In Arms
Two young tigers stood side-by-side,
Facing the world assured...
With both their jaws now open wide,
With pride, the tigers roared!
The hunters snarled like angry kings
To all in their domain,
As if the rest were underlings
They must remind again...
They shared a sense of destiny,
Born free and yet what for?
To take their part in history!
To fill the world with awe!
To stand united, unafraid,
If challenged, not to fail.
Like living legends, undismayed,
Determined to prevail!
Like champions, to stand their ground,
Defiant to the end...
Two young tigers, the best around
And each the other's friend...
Brothers in arms and warriors,
Tenacious day and night,
Miraculous and glorious,
Both valiant inside.
Two sets of eyes, two sets of ears...
Two hearts that beat as one...
Their loyalty outlasts the years,
Through all that must be done...
Life's sometimes good, life's sometimes bad,
Life's sometimes in-between...
For them, the future's ironclad...
If we don't intervene...
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Brothers In Arms'.
poem by Denis Martindale
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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African Evening
'Isn't this nice? ' the lioness said,
'A summer breeze and day near dead
And crystal clear enough to search,
To hunt again, if I've the urge.
Of course, I might just have a snooze...
For now, I'm fine, nothing to lose.
No cubs to crush this quiet time...
The day's gone well, in fact, sublime.
So belly down and front paws stretched,
To watch the sky this day has sketched...
To gaze serenely without cares
And look at clouds pass by in pairs.
Life's not so bad, still lots to learn.
I'll find a mate, when it's my turn.
There's no rush yet - this year, next year.
I'm quite content just lying here...
I've got no stomach pains today -
No cause to kill or hunt new prey.
No need to see death haunt the eyes
As suddenly my next meal dies...
For now, it's peaceful as can be -
There's no sign here of misery...
There's just the sun... and clouds above...
And, somehow, these things seem enough.
No thirst have I, as evening calls,
No lions here, no evening brawls,
No lions roaring back and forth,
Just nothing south, east, west and north.
This land is mine and mine alone -
A greater peace I've never known.
I'm getting sleepy in this sun,
Yet glad to know my work is done.
So sleep it is... just lying down...
To rest again, take off the crown,
To put aside one's majesty...
To savour life, as one born free...'
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'African Evening'.
poem by Denis Martindale
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Lions of the darkness
They...dark men
Working in the great power of night
They never walk by the light
Men who make darkness their joy
Woe to them
By the night they feel the happiest
As a versifier I most say the truth
The lions of the night
When the night comes, they come out of their den
With sounding teeth
And mighty claws
Rearranging the house of man
Lions of the night
Putting panic to the heart of man
Collecting taxes which they never deserve
On a faithful day the lions will be prey
By the almighty moulder
Or by men in khaki
Lions of the night...
Young Hopeful
There comes a time when tigers sense
A pattern in their lives,
Of being born, of making friends
And adulthood arrives.
From that day on, life's journey turns
To take on one more quest...
When everything inside them yearns
To always do their best.
The playful games seem foolish now...
They feel so out of touch...
To them, they bid a final bow,
Though they were loved so much.
It's time to stand, eyes open wide.
It's time to learn to track.
It's time to hunt at father's side.
It's time to watch his back.
It's time to know what teamwork means
And not just running fast...
That's why this tiger looks alert.
He's found his place at last.
Young hopeful, who knows what's ahead?
Life grants no certainty!
For now, give thanks each time you're fed...
Enjoy your family...
One day, perhaps, you'll find a mate,
With offspring of your own...
And with her you can celebrate...
The greatest joy that's known...
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Young Hopeful'.
poem by Denis Martindale
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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A Regal Pose
One lioness stood out a mile
And thus in stature grows,
As though she had a sense of style,
Possessed a regal pose...
Had she observed some ancient rules
To win such fervent stares?
Did she have eyes like limpid pools
To catch some in her snares?
One lioness transcended all
And others knew their place,
She held the lions in her thrall
Through dignity and grace...
Her hunting skills unbeaten here,
She shifted moods to suit
And chief of all, she knew no fear,
Not foolish, just astute...
One lioness still in her prime,
A prize if courted well,
A noble queen, if given time,
Yet who there could foretell?
A regal pose if seen by Man
Could target her one day,
To steal from her that noble plan
To live her life her way...
Denis Martindale, copyright, November 2012.
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'A Regal Pose'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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Rarity
Across the plains my Jeep went well,
Yet something slowed me down,
As if I were within a spell
So far away from town...
Binoculars were by my side,
I raised them to my eyes,
For I beheld a lion's pride
And then a great surprise...
White lions here? Yes, I felt blessed!
I got my camera out...
Who could have known? Who could have guessed?
And yet there was no doubt.
I snapped some pictures there and then,
Because I needed proof...
For who among the wisest men
Would trust me with the truth?
But then I paused... Should I pass on
These pictures to Mankind?
My heart said yes, before they're gone,
Their beauty left behind...
Now all the world can celebrate
White lion cubs born free,
To watch them grow and think they're great!
God bless such rarity...
Denis Martindale, copyright, February 2011.
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Rarity'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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Soul Mates
Soul mates they seemed, soul mates they stayed,
Lion and lioness,
Thus side-by-side and unafraid,
Portraying happiness...
No growls, no scowls, no random roars,
No bared teeth warnings shared,
No staring eyes, no clutching claws,
Just peace because they cared...
Soul mates they seemed, soul mates they stayed,
United in their quest,
Together in the sun or shade,
Yet mostly when at rest...
Life's trials were tackled day-by-day
And also night-by-night,
For lions seldom run away
When each one has to fight...
Soul mates they seemed, soul mates they stayed,
This was their destiny,
Such that from this not one had strayed,
For this was meant to be...
No wonder, then, that peace remained,
Each knew their place, no doubt
And from such wisdom much is gained...
And that's what life's about...
Denis Martindale, copyright, December 2012.
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Soul Mates'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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Mother's Favourite
Of all her cubs, this one was best,
The lioness believed,
When by this one was so impressed,
Asked what could be achieved...
For now, a playful scamp, no more,
Yet eyes alert all day,
Exploring till he knew the score,
Content to know the way...
He wasn't too rough on the rest,
A few chewed tails, that's all,
Yet not too much as if a pest,
So that he'd always brawl...
He lived life well, yet somehow thought
There's so much more than this,
Yet by life now was firmly caught,
For it seemed utter bliss...
The lioness chose to invest
With extra time to share,
At first the others hadn't guessed,
Then they became aware...
'What makes him special, Mummy, dear?
It can't be that he's cute...'
'He's special! Let me make that clear,
You see, he's quite astute! '
Denis Martindale, copyright, January 2012.
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Mother's Favourite'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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Young Guns
Two lions lingered, both at rest,
As if they had all day...
All deadly thoughts had been suppressed,
For hunting and for prey...
This was their time, the sun was kind,
A gentle breeze drew near
And so, together, they reclined,
Without one trace of fear...
A slow abiding trust had formed
That blessed each lion's heart...
And friendship grew and then it warmed,
A strong bond to impart...
They knew each other through and through,
Each mood, each train of thought,
Each planning what the two could do,
If prey was to be caught...
This bond would stand the test of time,
No matter, day or night,
This miracle they called sublime
And sensed that it was right...
So they survived the lean, mean years,
Endured them, come what may...
To gain respect from all their peers...
Together, all the way...
Denis Martindale, copyright, November 2010.
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Young Guns'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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Bush Master
No more the lion cub is he,
Now full grown in his prime
And gone is all timidity
Because this is his time...
Prepared for such a day as this,
His eyes survey the land,
His destiny won't go amiss,
In truth, his life is planned.
This season changes everything,
He walks as if he rules,
As if he were their only king,
Adorned with gold and jewels.
It's true that lions should be feared,
It's true that they are fierce,
Yet openly they are revered
By men and all their peers.
Bush masters live, take life and die,
With cubs to take their place,
Without the need to question why,
As if no shame to face...
If left alone, they may endure
A thousand years or more...
If not, extinction, death for sure,
Gone with one final roar...
Denis Martindale, copyright, February 2011.
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Bush Master'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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Keeping Watch
The zebras stood there in a line
And almost side-by-side.
Their eyes were staring for a sign
That could serve as a guide.
If dangers lurked, then eyes and ears
Would warn them when to run...
Their instincts helped them through the years,
Yet they must fight the sun...
For up above, it blasted down
With heat beyond belief...
To melt the blue, the green and brown
And linger like a thief...
Just one mistake and some would die
And so they stood and chewed...
And watched each hour pass them by,
In their long solemn mood...
No false alarms had happened yet
And so they stood their ground...
United in each other's debt
For anything they found...
A sudden stirring chilled their blood!
In seconds, they had gone!
Like cavalry, their hooves would thud,
As lions stood alone...
This battle won, the zebras lived
To see another day...
With vigilence their greatest gift,
They chewed and chewed away...
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Keeping Watch'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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Son Of The Father
The lion lay upon the rock,
His son beside him now...
As if the two were taking stock
Of what God would allow...
The kingdom stretched across the land,
Across the hills and plains,
Across the rivers God had planned
And all else that remains...
Their eyes surveyed the creatures, too,
That God had brought to be,
While some were ancient, some were new,
By air and land and sea...
The lions breathed the sweet warm air
Swept by a newborn breeze,
And humbly settled, gently there,
As if to take their ease...
No words were shared to summarise
Their friendship at that time...
For what was there to realise,
Except it was sublime?
Son of the father, future king,
Behold your destiny...
Remember God made everything,
Yes, even you and me...
Denis Martindale, copyright, February 2011.
The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Son Of The Father'.
More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com
poem by Denis Martindale
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Cleveland Park
Pacing gently, summer wind
The king stares softly to the sky
Will he ever see his home again
Deep from his heart he starts to cry
As his songs hit the air and young hearts are awake
Soon they join in the chorus sharing all his ache
Theres a lifetime out there somewhere
Somewhere in the dark
And summers on, the lions song
Sung from cleveland park
And the high school kids ignore it
They have their own tune
Theyre just showing off the speakers in their ride
I know what Im sayin
I grew up too soon
And youth goes hand in hand with foolish pride
As their song hits the air and young hearts start to break
The lions join in the chorus sharing all their ache
Theres a lifetime out there somewhere
Somewhere in the dark
And summers on, the lions song
Sung from cleveland park
In cleveland park trees breathe a sigh of all the summers gone
Skeletons in wintertime, they sing the lions song
Theres a lifetime out there somewhere
Somewhere in the dark
And summers on, the lions song
Sung from cleveland park
song performed by by Edwin McCain
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Irkalla's White Caves
I believe that a young woman
Is standing in a circle of lions
In the other side of the sky.
In a little while I must carry her the flowers
Which only fade here; and she will not cry
If my hands are not very full.
±
Fiery antlers toss within the forests of heaven
And ocean’s plaintive towns
Echo the tread of celestial feet.
O the beautiful eyes stare down…
What have we done that we are blessèd?
What have we died that we hasten to God?
±
And all the animals are asleep again
In their separate caves.
Hairy bellies distended with their kill.
Culture blubbering in and out
Like the breath of a stranded fish.
Crucifixion in wax. The test-tube messiahs.
Immaculate fornication under the smoking walls
Of a dead world.
I dig for my death
in this thousand-watt dungheap.
There isn’t even enough clean air.
To die in.
O blood-bearded destroyer!
In other times...
(soundless barges float
down the rivers of death)
In another heart
These crimes may not flower…
What have we done that we are blessèd?
What have we damned that we are blinded?
±
Now, with my seven-holed head open
On the air whence comes a fabulous mariner
To take his place among the spheres—
The air which is God
And the mariner who is sheep—I fold
Upon myself like a bird over flames. Then
All my nightbound juices sing. Snails
Pop out of unexpected places and the long
light lances of waterbulls plunge
into the green crotch of my native land.
Eyes peer out of the seaweed that gently sways
Above the towers and salt gates of a lost world.
±
On the other side of the sky
A young woman is standing
In a circle of lions—
The young woman who is dream
And the lions which are death.
poem by Kenneth Patchen
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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