SILENT WITNESS

The leopard lounged, content to be
A silent witness there,
While way up high upon the tree
To look, to gaze, to stare...
To contemplate, to muse a while,
Beyond the worldly scene,
To be amazed or gently smile,
Yet always stay serene...

As life goes on with its parade,
Let others hunt their prey,
Let others hide when finding shade,
To watch the young ones play...
The leopard lay upon his shelf,
Legs dangling now and then,
Not lonesome being by himself,
Until that time again...

When night approached and stars returned,
He stared upon them, too...
And wondered, were these eyes that learned
From yonder point of view?
Or were they merely like the moon,
Just scattered to and fro?
And while such answers don't come soon,
His heart still yearned to know...


Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2013.


My Poetry website: http://poem.says.it

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Silent Witness'.

More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com

Shared on

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/silent-witness-4/

Printer-friendly text version:

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http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/08/silent-witness.html

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

Youtube video: http://tinyurl.com/gayfordgallery-dot-com-video


Update: My poem, 'An Ode To Stephen Gayford'
is featured in the website's News Section!

http://www.gayfordgallery.com/news.htm

There's also a Guest Book!

http://users2.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g25-52612-21

The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:

poemhunter.com links:

http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

blog website links:

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com
http://tinyurl.com/stephen-gayford-poetry

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.speedauction.tv
http://www.pricedropper.co.uk
http://www.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

IN THE LONG GRASS

Two bear cubs stared in the long grass,
Alert, as if on guard,
No friend or foe to let them pass,
Yet Mum and Dad weren't barred...
But truth to say, just stay a while,
Look tough to one and all,
But when approached, would run a mile,
Or maybe trip and fall...

Each gave the other courage till
A stranger came along,
Then they would scarper, feeling ill,
Decidedly not strong..
For now, they hold their heads up high,
Though somewhat raw recruits,
If something moved, then watch them sigh,
While shaking in their boots...

Just barely holding on, you see,
Till Mum and Dad return,
This Twilight Zone eternity
Has nothing new to learn...
I bet that Mum and Dad are near
And find it quite sublime
To see those bear cubs full of fear,
While they laugh all the time!


Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2013.


My Poetry website: http://poem.says.it

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'In The Long Grass'.

More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com

Shared on

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/in-the-long-grass-2/

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http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/08/in-long-grass.html

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

Youtube video: http://tinyurl.com/gayfordgallery-dot-com-video


Update: My poem, 'An Ode To Stephen Gayford'
is featured in the website's News Section!

http://www.gayfordgallery.com/news.htm

There's also a Guest Book!

http://users2.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g25-52612-21

The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:

poemhunter.com links:

http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

blog website links:

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com
http://tinyurl.com/stephen-gayford-poetry

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.speedauction.tv
http://www.pricedropper.co.uk
http://www.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

WATCH AND LEARN!

Three lions stared at goings-on,
Because they were brand new,
Regarding sights till they were gone,
For what else should they do?
Like us, they learn how things are done,
The skills that others know,
In time like them, second to none,
With each one like a pro...

Three lions looking quite perplexed,
Amazed at what they saw,
To question what would happen next,
Then learn what lay in store...
Eyes open wide and taking in,
Like cameras set on zoom,
Depending on their kith and kin,
Their lessons to resume...

Three lions learning day-by-day
The hunting skills they'd need,
Gone was the time they used to play,
Their new lives must proceed...
How else could they survive the years?
As partners they'd do well,
As long as they could beat their fears...
But only time would tell...


Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2013.


My Poetry website: http://poem.says.it

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Watch And Learn'.

More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com

Shared on

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/watch-and-learn-5/

Printer-friendly text version:

http://www.poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/watch-and-learn-5/

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/watch-and-learn-poem

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/08/watch-and-learn.html

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

Youtube video: http://tinyurl.com/gayfordgallery-dot-com-video


Update: My poem, 'An Ode To Stephen Gayford'
is featured in the website's News Section!

http://www.gayfordgallery.com/news.htm

There's also a Guest Book!

http://users2.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g25-52612-21

The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:

poemhunter.com links:

http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

blog website links:

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com
http://tinyurl.com/stephen-gayford-poetry

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.speedauction.tv
http://www.pricedropper.co.uk
http://www.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

ARCTIC FOX

The arctic fox was laying low,
With cunning in his eyes,
While just above the ice and snow,
Just waiting in disguise...
A patient creature, yes, indeed,
Yet patience was the key
And with this friend he would succeed,
Sometime, eventually...

His gentle breath belied his heart,
It was as cold as ice,
Starvation tears the soul apart,
From then on, it's not nice...
So hunting prey was his sole aim,
His only chance to live,
And so I ask, is he to blame,
If he, no chance will give?

The arctic fox must bide his time,
While time was on his side,
To contemplate upon his crime,
So many can't abide...
Despite the fact some can't condone,
His dinner keeps him strong,
Since no-one's here, he's quite alone,
Till dinner comes along...


Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2013.


My Poetry website: http://poem.says.it

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Arctic Fox'.

More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com

Shared on

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/arctic-fox/

Printer-friendly text version:

http://www.poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/arctic-fox/

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/arctic-fox-poem

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/08/arctic-fox.html

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

Youtube video: http://tinyurl.com/gayfordgallery-dot-com-video


Update: My poem, 'An Ode To Stephen Gayford'
is featured in the website's News Section!

http://www.gayfordgallery.com/news.htm

There's also a Guest Book!

http://users2.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g25-52612-21

The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:

poemhunter.com links:

http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

blog website links:

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com
http://tinyurl.com/stephen-gayford-poetry

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.speedauction.tv
http://www.pricedropper.co.uk
http://www.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

HIDE AWAY

The tiger tottered to-and-fro,
Exhausted by the heat,
Then saw a magic silver glow
Upon a flattened sheet...
He realised the stream was near,
A little hide away,
Then everything was crystal clear,
As if to make his day...

When tigers smile, they almost grin,
Stiff upper lip, you see,
That's why he slowly sauntered in,
Instead of joyfully...
But almost in, he gently paused,
As if with thankful heart,
With no idea how this was caused,
Yet ready to take part...

Thus gliding in, till shoulder high,
Then past the muddy spread,
He paddled on, now feeling spry,
In one straight line ahead...
This is the life, he told himself,
A wash down now and then,
A soothing booster to one's health!
Amen... Amen... Amen!


Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2013.


My Poetry website: http://poem.says.it

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Hide Away'.

More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com

Shared on

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/hide-away-10/

Printer-friendly text version:

http://www.poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/hide-away-10/

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/hide-away-poem

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/08/hide-away.html

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

Youtube video: http://tinyurl.com/gayfordgallery-dot-com-video


Update: My poem, 'An Ode To Stephen Gayford'
is featured in the website's News Section!

http://www.gayfordgallery.com/news.htm

There's also a Guest Book!

http://users2.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g25-52612-21

The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:

poemhunter.com links:

http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

blog website links:

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com
http://tinyurl.com/stephen-gayford-poetry

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.speedauction.tv
http://www.pricedropper.co.uk
http://www.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

YOUNG GUN

The young male lion lived life well,
A leader through and through,
With courage only time could tell,
Great expectations, too...
Determined always, standing proud,
His image to protect,
Untamed, unfettered and unbowed,
Thus Nature's true elect...

How long before he lost his crown?
He never thought that way,
His wisdom never let him down
And here he chose to stay...
He pitied those that sought to fight
A lion such as he,
For he would fight with all his might
And prove his majesty...

One glare from him and others sensed
Their challenge was forlorn,
His stance was bold with muscles tensed,
He viewed each one with scorn...
Alas, one truth remained ignored,
The price of self-control,
With not one friend as his reward,
He looked a lonely soul...


Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2013.


My Poetry website: http://poem.says.it

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Young Gun'.

More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com

Shared on

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/young-gun/

Printer-friendly text version:

http://www.poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/young-gun/

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/young-gun-poem

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/08/young-gun.html

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

Youtube video: http://tinyurl.com/gayfordgallery-dot-com-video


Update: My poem, 'An Ode To Stephen Gayford'
is featured in the website's News Section!

http://www.gayfordgallery.com/news.htm

There's also a Guest Book!

http://users2.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g25-52612-21

The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:

poemhunter.com links:

http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

blog website links:

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com
http://tinyurl.com/stephen-gayford-poetry

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.speedauction.tv
http://www.pricedropper.co.uk
http://www.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

IT'S BEEN A LONG DAY...

Oh, the white tiger was weary!
His tootsies throbbed and throbbed...
Though white tigers don't get teary,
He almost sighed and sobbed...
He asked, How long will this day last?
He hoped it would end soon,
Because he knew when it was past,
He'd sleep beneath the moon...

The day went on and on and on...
He had to have a rest!
He couldn't wait till it had gone,
Though anger he expressed...
He hadn't learnt to pace himself,
That's why there was no doubt,
He wasn't in the best of health,
He was plum-tuckered out!

His heavy head matched heavy heart,
He yawned, as tigers do,
The doziness began to start,
Eyes closing to the view...
And minutes later, tootsies soothed,
He gladly said, Goodnight...
And thus, for hours, hardly moved,
Contented to sleep tight...


Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2013.


My Poetry website: http://poem.says.it

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'It's Been A long Day II'.

More Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com

Shared on

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/it-s-been-a-long-day/

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http://www.poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/it-s-been-a-long-day/

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/its-been-a-long-day

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/08/its-been-long-day.html

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

Youtube video: http://tinyurl.com/gayfordgallery-dot-com-video


Update: My poem, 'An Ode To Stephen Gayford'
is featured in the website's News Section!

http://www.gayfordgallery.com/news.htm

There's also a Guest Book!

http://users2.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g25-52612-21

The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:

poemhunter.com links:

http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

blog website links:

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com
http://tinyurl.com/stephen-gayford-poetry

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.speedauction.tv
http://www.pricedropper.co.uk
http://www.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

GIFTS FOR THE HOME!

When Stephen Gayford paints for you
It's wondrous what will be,
Perhaps a close-up point of view
Of creatures few will see...
White tigers are quite rare, of course,
Endangered as they are,
Not like the cow, the sheep, the horse
You find both near and far...

When Stephen Gayford paints for you,
It's beauty that he shares,
Beneath a sky that's oh so blue
Are lions, tigers, bears...
Yet each of these can still express
The journey life endows,
Perhaps the chance for happiness
That sometimes life allows...

When Stephen Gayford paints for you,
Across the world he'll roam,
Not just to sketch life at the zoo,
To share gifts for the home...
He's right there where the creatures live,
With camera close-at-hand,
Then sketching creatures that he's with
So that you'll understand...

When Stephen Gayford paints for you,
It's like a photograph,
With striking colours bold and new,
Like light upon a path...
To draw you in, to make you smile,
To help appreciate,
That life's a gift to share a while,
Something to celebrate...

When Stephen Gayford paints for you,
His talents make him glad,
For he knows what his paintings do,
From feedback that he's had...
Perhaps his paintings grace the hall,
Enhance the fireplace,
I only know they help us all,
Put smiles on every face...


Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2013.

My Poetry website: http://poem.says.it

The poem is based on the magnificent paintings
by Stephen Gayford, sold as gifts for the home...

Stephen Gayford poems here:
denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com

Shared on

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/gifts-for-the-home/

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http://www.poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/gifts-for-the-home/

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/gifts-for-the-home

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/08/gifts-for-home.html

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

Youtube video: http://tinyurl.com/gayfordgallery-dot-com-video


Update: My poem, 'An Ode To Stephen Gayford'
is featured in the website's News Section!

http://www.gayfordgallery.com/news.htm

There's also a Guest Book!

http://users2.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g25-52612-21

The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:

poemhunter.com links:

http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

blog website links:

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com
http://tinyurl.com/stephen-gayford-poetry

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.speedauction.tv
http://www.pricedropper.co.uk
http://www.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

LIONS, TIGERS, JAGUARS!

So many big cats lurk out there!
They prowl by day and night!
Enough to give your heart a scare
And make you gulp with fright!
Enough to make you run a mile,
Four minutes, maybe less...
Enough to make that big cat smile
And smirk with happiness!

A head start you may have, my friend,
But can it you maintain?
Or in the background there to blend
And patiently remain?
Or can you climb the tallest tree
Those big cats would refuse,
Purrchance another day to see
And not fall down and bruise?

Oh, my! I think I'll stay at home!
Watch telly and stay safe!
No point in going out to roam,
You see, I'm not that brave...
I'm not like Stephen Gayford is,
Exploring far and wide!
I think I should give that a miss...
Buy paintings here... and hide!


Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2013.


I found this website which featured the
Snow Leopard poem. The website has
extra right-hand screen lynx, erm, links.

http://www.squidoo.com/lions-and-tigers-and-jaguars-oh-my

http://www.squidoo.com/ocelots

http://www.squidoo.com/gift-ideas-for-tiger-lovers

http://www.squidoo.com/tigerzoo

http://www.squidoo.com/lion-hugs

http://www.squidoo.com/i-love-tigers

Comments encourage the website creators!


http://www.squidoo.com/lions-and-tigers-and-jaguars-oh-my