CAUTIOUS

The white wolf wasn't all too keen
To challenge anyone.
He heard a noise, his heart turned mean,
Beneath the fading sun...
When cautious instincts made him wait,
His eyes scanned high and low.
In seconds, he would learn his fate...
To stay here or to go...
The lone wolf listened for some clues
Of movement left or right.
Another noise was more bad news...
Yet he was born to fight!
The minutes melted silently...
Yet nothing more was heard...
Now drained of curiousity,
He took a chance and stirred.
With leaps and bounds, he crossed the plains,
Escaping dangers there.
The cautious white wolf broke the chains
That he was forced to bear.
The path ahead was open wide
And so new life begins...
New confidence helped him decide,
Throw caution to the winds...
His heartbeat calmed beside the stream...
He drank his fill... time passed...
In time, this day would seem a dream...
For now, he slept... at last...

Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2009.

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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Cautious'.
Shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/cautious/

The Gayford poems can be viewed here:
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2
http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com

The framed pictures are bought from these UK websites:
http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv
http://www.speedauction.tv

ADORABLE

The white tiger cub had blue eyes!
He looked adorable!
The sight of him was some surprise,
The day he came to call...
He had a swagger in his stride,
A special confidence!
Just like a lion full of pride,
This tiger had few friends!
The other tigers envied him!
You see, he looked too cute!
Filled up with beauty to the brim
And his horn first to toot!
'Hey, look at me!' He seemed to say!
'Admit it, I look cool!'
That made the tigers walk away...
And he felt such a fool!
When wisdom slowly filtered through,
He quickly changed his style.
And stopped the things he used to do...
He didn't even smile...
Now humbled, he walked all alone...
Unloved, unliked, unsure...
Nobody even shared a bone...
It shook him to the core!
One tiger showed him pity, then...
His loneliness to end...
Humility's the moment when
You're thankful for a friend...

Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2009.

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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Adorable'.
Shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/adorable/

The Gayford poems can be viewed here:
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2
http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com

The framed pictures are bought from these UK websites:
http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv
http://www.speedauction.tv

LAZY DAY

That's it! I'm pooped! Let's sunbathe here!
Let's crash! Let's slump! Let's flop!
We've got all day, no need to fear!
I think we'd better stop...
My paws are throbbing! Life's not fair!
Your poor Mum's had enough!
The two of you don't seem to care!
Is it too hard to love?
Explore some more? You cheeky cubs!
You're always on the go!
Lie on the floor! Forget your snubs
And just go with the flow...
Behave yourselves, or I'll get cross!
Watch out while I'm asleep...
I know your Dad thinks he's the boss!
Illusions he can keep...
Us lionesses take our time,
One yawn and off we jot,
To find a peaceful place sublime,
A purr-fect resting spot...
So, keep a lookout, there's good boys...
A vigil you must keep...
Don't wake me till you hear... some... noise...
I... need... my... beauty... sleeeeeeeeeeep...

Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2009.

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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Lazy Day'.
Shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/lazy-day-2/

The Gayford poems can be viewed here:
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2
http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com

The framed pictures are bought from these UK websites:
http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv
http://www.speedauction.tv

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!

Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2009.

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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'White Prince'.
Shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/white-prince/
Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/whiteprince

The Gayford poems can be viewed here:
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2
http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com

The framed pictures are bought from these UK websites:
http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv
http://www.speedauction.tv

HIGH SPIRITS

High spirits made the zebra leap,
For joy within his soul
Was something precious he could keep,
If he let slip control...
Within a crowd, where he felt safe,
No tension spoilt his day...
And in these moments, living faith
Cast all his doubts away...
Now like a child, he kicked up dust!
His front legs rode thin air!
Safety in numbers caused such trust,
So he shook off each care!
The zebras laughed like zebras do...
They cackled one-by-one...
Although this wasn't something new,
Unshackled fears brought fun!
Some others copied what he did!
Like each of them agreed...
With joy of life no longer hid,
Their joy was joy indeed!
If only we could imitate
The zebra now and then,
We'd learn life's here to celebrate,
For death comes, who knows when?
It's why we often hum a tune
With half-remembered words...
Or stare at stars beyond the moon
Or whistle back at birds...
High spirits come and go, my friend...
It's not as if they're planned...
But when they come, on this depend,
You'll love Love's Wonderland!

Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2009.

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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'High Spirits'.
Shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/high-spirits/

The Gayford poems can be viewed here:
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2
http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com

The framed pictures are bought from these UK websites:
http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv
http://www.speedauction.tv

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!

Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2009.

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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'The Guardians'.
Shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-guardians/
Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/theguardians

The Gayford poems can be viewed here:
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2
http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com

The framed pictures are bought from these UK websites:
http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv
http://www.speedauction.tv

INTENSITY

The leopard looked with dark disdain
And ever-growing dread.
He sensed this day would bring him pain,
With trouble dead ahead.
A broken twig changed everything!
Of fear, he wasn't fond...
Who knows what fickle fate may bring?
Some creature lurked beyond...
He stared with great intensity,
Alerted and alarmed...
No longer strolling fancy free,
No longer feeling calmed...
How big and bold the danger was
As yet he couldn't guess...
And yet his heart went cold because
One fight steals happiness.
Reverse and run? Too soon to say...
New courage made him wait...
Perhaps this was his finest day
And he would celebrate.
If not, then death was way too close...
For tensions filled the air.
Two predators are vicious foes,
Like devils who don't care...
His claws were poised like daggers gripped,
Outstretched, the fight to win...
Death laughed at him, as from its crypt,
Yet leopards don't give in!
The fight begins! Not one relents!
The fur flies to and fro!
The leopard wins through violence!
His foe turned tail to go...
Alone, the leopard stood his ground...
With such intensity...
And with no other creature round,
He savoured victory!

Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2009.

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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Intensity'.
Shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/intensity-9/

The Gayford poems can be viewed here:
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2
http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com

The framed pictures are bought from these UK websites:
http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv
http://www.speedauction.tv

FORGING AHEAD

Places to go! Places to see!
The tiger started well.
Life's journey was a mystery!
What next? He couldn't tell!
The water was his challenge now...
So slip-purr-y below...
He was forging ahead somehow...
Where to? He didn't know!
His paws were muddy, yet he tried
To reach the other shore...
Onlookers thought that he could glide
And watched him even more...
He told himself he mustn't slip!
That's why he did his best!
He coasted gently like a ship
That sailed from East to West...
Forging ahead! Some progress made!
The distant shore drew near...
By faith, he'd stepped in unafraid!
That's how he'd made it here...
Then suddenly, in waters deep,
The tiger had to swim...
And forward motion had to keep,
With him no longer slim!
Stiff upper lip and all that stuff!
He paddled, plodding on...
While the going was getting tough,
His strength was not yet gone!
He made it! Yes, success was his!
He sniggered, full of glee!
And in that time of purr-fect bliss,
His joy was plain to see...
He swaggered cross the sands beyond,
As if a thoroughbred!
Like every tiger who is fond
Of always forging ahead...

Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2009.

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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Forging Ahead'.
Shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/forging-ahead/

The Gayford poems can be viewed here:
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2
http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com

The framed pictures are bought from these UK websites:
http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv
http://www.speedauction.tv

TIGER FURY

The image of the pussycat,
So playful, without care...
Was gone in seconds, just like that,
When fury made him stare...
And all at once, the mood had changed
And tension killed the calm...
The trembling tiger looked deranged,
Intent on deadly harm.
His body language said it all -
You've stepped across the line!
How dare you think that you're so tall
That you can take what's mine!
Your very life hangs by a thread!
For you, there's no escape!
I'll scratch you till your blood has bled,
Then crush you like a grape!
You'll never see the stars again,
Nor silver moon at night...
For I'll teach you a lesson, then
You'll feel one final bite!
My fury takes my fear away...
I'll win with no remorse!
If I were you, I wouldn't stay,
But you must stay, of course!
For fury echoes in your heart
Enough to match my own -
You've too much pride, you won't depart,
Yet soon I'll stand alone...
Yes, one must live and one must die...
The countdown tracks the time!
Two furies fight and fur must fly...
Till one fury lasts sublime...

Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2009.

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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Tiger Fury'.
Shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/tiger-fury/
Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/tigerfury

The Gayford poems can be viewed here:
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2
http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com

The framed pictures are bought from these UK websites:
http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv
http://www.speedauction.tv

HER LADYSHIP

The lioness stayed, the sights to see,
As life continued on...
She knew one day, with certainty,
Her life would soon be gone...
Though now she was within her prime,
The peak years of her youth,
Those precious years would pass in time,
Towards the final truth...
Her ladyship looked quite refined
When seen both near and far...
Though many suitors she declined,
One day, she'd find her star.
Her special one, her lion lord,
Her regal Romeo.
The one her beating heart adored,
The one she'd not let go...
Togetherness is like a rose
That stirs from bud to bloom
And love is like a stream that flows
To wash away the gloom...
Her ladyship surveyed the land,
In search of one true friend...
Awaiting what their fate had planned,
Before she met her end.
Their cubs would learn their lessons well...
To stand as she stood now,
To see life's magic cast its spell,
Before one final bow...
Survival stirred her valiant heart,
Beyond death's cold embrace...
To live anew in cubs that start
Their lives and thus replace.
Behold life's grim mortality...
Let wisdom conquer dread.
Like her, you, too, can be born free
The day you plan ahead...

Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2009.

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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Her Ladyship'.
Shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/her-ladyship-2/
Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/herladyship

The Gayford poems can be viewed here:
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2
http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com

The framed pictures are bought from these UK websites:
http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv
http://www.speedauction.tv

AFRICAN SUN

African sun, behold him there...
One lion, nothing more.
He's lying down without a care,
No yearning to explore...
Perhaps his paws are hot as coals
And he's plum tuckered out...
Exhausted by his long patrols,
He just can't move about...
It's all your fault! Yes, you're to blame!
You've paralysed a king!
You might have well have made him lame!
Now he can't do a thing!
No longer can he stalk or creep
To quickly catch his prey!
I bet he'll soon be fast asleep
Until the end of day!
For shame, I say! Have pity soon!
He hasn't even roared!
In minutes, it will be high noon,
Please let him be restored...
If not, I'll have to pray for rain
And then he'll get upset!
He hates damp grass across the plain,
His fur all soaking wet!
Of course, I'll leave it up to you...
God help you to decide...
Five minutes more! Then say, 'Adieu!'
Let conscience be your guide!
I bet his eyelids weigh a ton!
I bet you're proud of that!
African sun, look what you've done!
He's like a pussycat!

Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2009.

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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'African Sun'.
Shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/african-sun/
Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/africansun

The Gayford poems can be viewed here:
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2
http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com

The framed pictures are bought from these UK websites:
http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv
http://www.speedauction.tv

EYES OF THE FOREST

When tigers pause, their eyes stare deep,
Across each forest scene...
To scan for creatures that can creep,
No matter, mild or mean...
This tiger searches high and low,
His eyes pan left to right...
And as they wander to and fro,
The tension starts to bite!
In seconds, everything could change,
A false alarm or what?
A broken twig or something strange
To put him on the spot?
That's why his paws are prone to pause,
Sometimes to poise mid-air...
Until his eyes have learnt the cause,
They'll dangle, dainty, there...
Those precious paws hold claws within,
So he can hold his own.
If he must fight, he won't give in...
His heart is cold as stone!
The gentle cub is long since gone,
This adult heart beats now...
Survival instincts carry on,
To them, each soul must bow...
He knows that one mistake and then,
They'll write his epitaph!
Now safe, he treads the ground again...
And carries on his path...

Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2009.

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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Eyes Of The Forest'.
Shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/eyes-of-the-forest/
Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/eyesoftheforest

The Gayford poems can be viewed here:
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2
http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com

The framed pictures are bought from these UK websites:
http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv
http://www.speedauction.tv

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...

Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2009.

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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'African Giant'.
Shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/african-giant/
Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/africangiant

The Gayford poems can be viewed here:
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2
http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com

The framed pictures are bought from these UK websites:
http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv
http://www.speedauction.tv

AFRICAN KING

It's rare to see your lion face
For most would stay away,
Yet if you don't give me the chase,
I'd see your mane like hay...
Ten thousand strands of fine-formed fur
Adorn your majesty...
Gold ribboned bands that somehow stir
My sense of chivalry.

Yes, royal blood flows through your veins,
Enough to warm my heart...
Till I recall what vicious pains
As sovereign you'll impart.
African king, yet savage beast,
You rule your world with fear.
While in your eyes I seem the least,
I'm not all I appear.

For I'm a hunter, born and bred,
A carnivore like you.
I'll throw my spears till I get fed...
Most times, my aim stays true...
I've seen your glowing eyes at night,
Your silhouette so close...
I've seen the fearful birds take flight,
As tension overflows...

As long as I respect your space
And you respect what's mine,
We'll each survive by God's good grace
And we'll both get on fine.
There's room enough and game enough
To live our whole lives through...
So if you let me do my stuff,
I'll keep away from you...

Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2009.

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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'African King'.
Shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/african-king-2/
Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/africanking

The Gayford poems can be viewed here:
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2
http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com

The framed pictures are bought from these UK websites:
http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv
http://www.speedauction.tv

INTIMIDATION

The lion looked with such a look,
That's called your deepest fears...
And with your courage that he took,
Bravado disappears!
Have you the strength to move your hand?
Or lift your arm above?
Or is your movement slowly planned,
As timid as a dove?
Have you the power left to run,
The stamina to flee?
Or is the battle lost not won
And his the victory?
So many questions fill your mind...
The lion gives you time...
Just think of what he has outlined,
This super cat sublime...
He licks his lips while you're perplexed,
This prince of past pursuits
And thinks of what will happen next,
While you shake in your boots!
Intimidation, that's his game!
It's how he gets his kicks!
He lacks all conscience, knows no shame
And you've run out of tricks!
It's time to pray! God knows your need!
Ask Him as Daniel would...
For God helped Samson to succeed,
To do the feats he could.
A humble plea's more powerful
When God is on your side!
Let God grant you a miracle!
His arms will open wide...

Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2009.

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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Intimidation'.
Shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/intimidation-3/

The Gayford poems can be viewed here:
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2
http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com

The framed pictures are bought from these UK websites:
http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv
http://www.speedauction.tv

PORTRAIT OF A PRINCE

Behold the tiger's face up close,
With all its deep-etched lines.
Like charcoal ridges by his nose,
How clearly each defines.
Behold the tiger's ears erect,
Aware of all that breathes,
With mental filters that select
The rustling of the leaves.
Behold the tiger's eyes that stare,
As if right through your soul,
To challenge you, be wise, beware,
Take care who's in control...
Behold the tiger's nose below,
It tells him distant facts,
Though out of sight, he's in the know,
So watch out if he acts...
Behold the tiger's tight-lipped mouth,
He hides his daggers well...
His top set north, his dropped set south,
What tales those teeth could tell.
Behold the tiger's neck so still
And poised with regal grace,
Portraying here the prince's will,
Despite the human race...
Behold the tiger's sovereign style,
His sense of who he is...
His wicked ways, his covering guile,
His final parting kiss...
Behold the tiger's treachery!
Flee from his handsome grin!
For in a race, I think you'll see,
That tigers always win!

Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2009.

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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Portrait Of A Prince'.

Shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/portrait-of-a-prince/
Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/portraitofaprince

The Gayford poems can be viewed here:
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

SIBLINGS

The cheeky cheetah cubs looked calm,
Until they heard a sound...
Then they looked up, alert to harm,
For dangers to be found.
The world was not a friendly place
Where everything went well.
The cubs stared straight, this truth to face
And nought could break the spell.
Transfixed like statues borne of stone,
As cold as marble now...
They searched for new clues, all alone,
So they'd survive somehow.
Like cuddly kittens, side-by-side,
Their battles must be picked.
Sometimes to fight, sometimes to hide,
Or maybe they'd been tricked...
Breathe easy, lads, the coast is clear...
No need to wear a frown.
You scaredy-cats! No need to fear -
You're safe, so settle down...
Their trembling whiskers twitched away!
Their tails swished to and fro!
Then one long sigh as if to say,
'Well, how were we to know?'
One day must come when they'll stand tall,
Full grown as adult males,
So everyone can hear them call
As they explore new trails.
They'll run like shooting stars above -
Two brothers, siblings still...
United in their lifelong love,
With every hunting skill...
Their common destiny awaits -
Who knows if they'll be blessed?
We only know that God creates...
Yet each must do his best...

Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2009.

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

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

Shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/siblings-8/

The Gayford poems can be viewed here:
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

CURIOUS

The chimpanzee could not believe
The mirror that he saw...
It had some magic to deceive
And trick him once before...
The chimpanzee reflected on
The one who made no noise.
The copycat, the clever con...
The one so full of ploys.
How does he copy what I do?
He moves left just like me!
As I move right, then he does, too!
He does it so quickly!
If I jump up, or I jump down,
Or wave my arms about,
Or show my teeth, or snarl, or frown,
He somehow works it out!
I walk away then I run back!
He meets me face-to-face!
I'd like to give him such a smack,
Yet one who's hit repays!
I offer food and so does he!
We watch each other eat...
I stare at him, he stares at me...
We touch each other's feet!
It's sometimes said we only get
The friends as each deserves...
I must confess, it makes me fret!
He's getting on me nerves!

Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2009.

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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Curious'.
Shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/curious-7/
The Gayford poems can be viewed here:
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems

The framed pictures are bought from these UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)

http://www.price-drop.tv

http://www.speedauction.tv

HIS MAJESTY

Behold the lion first to feast...
Behold his majesty!
This is no timid, gentle beast,
No coward soul has he!
His golden mane adorns his form
As he surveys his land...
And it does more than keep him warm,
It helps us understand...
This alpha male, this awesome king,
This sovereign meant to rule.
This titan feared by everything
That's wise and not a fool...
This monument to grand design,
This creature cruel and kind...
This legend will forever shine
Inside each heart and mind.
His growls are fierce and frightening,
They pierce us every time...
With nought held back, like lightning,
Courageous and sublime!
Behold the beast, so widely famed,
Triumphant to the end...
With strength increased, he stands untamed,
On that you can depend!
Don't stand too close! Those sharp teeth bite!
Those claws are meant to scratch!
How few are those who want to fight!
They know they've met their match!
If you're not Samson, run and hide...
Survival is the key...
With all the wisdom God's supplied...
Avoid his majesty!

Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2009.

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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'His Majesty'.
Shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/his-majesty-2/
Internet Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/hismajesty

The Gayford poems can be viewed here:
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems

The framed pictures are bought from these UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)

http://www.price-drop.tv

http://www.speedauction.tv

JUNGLE GENTLEMAN

He bears a grace that few may own,
A regal quality.
Distinguished though he walks alone,
This tiger that I see.
Behold the fellow as he strolls,
Without a single care...
As if he has no urgent goals,
No burdens to beware.
He doesn't crouch as if to pounce...
He doesn't crawl the grounds.
He walks as if he weighs an ounce
And not two hundred pounds.
He's like a dancer, fleet of foot,
Yet this is his day off...
In simple words and humbly put,
He acts as if the toff!
He swaggers, struts and looks so cool
In orange, black and white...
As if he'd stepped out from a pool,
Refreshed and sparkling bright.
His whiskers bristle in the sun...
His twinkling eyes aglow!
This tiger's out to have some fun!
He's going with the flow!
When life is good, when life is great,
Don't let the moment pass!
Take time so you can celebrate!
Don't hide behind the grass!
Come out to play and strut your stuff!
Rejoice in what you are!
Who knows? Today you may find love!
Good luck, 'cos you're a star!

Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2009.

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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Jungle Gentleman'.
Shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/jungle-gentleman/
Internet Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/junglegentleman

The Gayford poems can be viewed here:
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems

The framed pictures are bought from these UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)

http://www.price-drop.tv

http://www.speedauction.tv

THE SURVIVOR

The cold white wolf cautiously crept,
Feeling starvation grow...
The crisp white snow crunched as he stepped,
That's why he moved so slow...
Conserving his energy, waiting,
Sometimes slipping along...
His dark eyes anticipating
The things that could go wrong.
A rock that blocked his hunting path,
A hole that gave escape...
Each one could be his epitaph,
The final sour grape...
His empty belly warned him still...
The time for games had passed.
For soon, in hours, he'd be ill...
Perhaps to breathe his last.
He gulped saliva, nothing more...
He walked with heavy heart.
The ache inside began to gnaw...
And stabbed him like a dart.
Yet on he searched, 'twixt life and death...
'Twixt this world and the next.
Aware that every passing breath
Caused him to be perplexed.
What was this hell? What use was snow?
Was this his time to die?
To tell the truth, he didn't know.
There seemed no reason why.
His instincts led him to his prey...
He heard a scratching sound.
In seconds he was on his way,
To find it underground.
He chased it hard and off it ran
Across the land ahead...
And pretty soon, by Nature's plan...
One lived and one was dead.
The wily white wolf played the game
That helped him to survive...
To us, it's still a crying shame...
Yet don't begrudge him life...

Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2009.

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

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

The poem is shared on

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-survivor-5/
Internet Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/thesurvivor

The Gayford poems can be viewed here:
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems


The framed pictures are bought from these UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)

http://www.price-drop.tv

http://www.speedauction.tv