EYE OF THE LEOPARD

Determination serves him well,
Tenacity and truth...
The leopard knows life's weary spell!
He's felt it from his youth.
He must not sleep! His eye must see!
There's danger all around!
This is the price of living free,
Undaunted and unbound.
The leopard loiters, sniffs the air,
His eye looks left and right...
Of every movement he's aware
Through instincts and insight...
Each day's the same, if he survives,
To tread the earth alone,
To hunt in search of other lives,
Because that's all he's known...
His hunger drives him on and on...
Relentless, still, of course...
He hunts until the hunger's gone,
Then feeds without remorse.
His eye has seen so many things
That swim and crawl and fly...
Above him now, a pair of wings
That glide across the sky!
The leopard sighs with envy at
The bird beyond his reach!
If he had wings, he'd make him scat!
What tricks that bird he'd teach!
The leopard looks, then walks his way,
Towards survival's end...
So he can hunt another day,
Unloved, without a friend...

　
Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2009.

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

The poem is based on the National Geographic
Wild HD details received from Sky Digital for
the September 2009 programme called
'Eye Of The Leopard'. Fully featured on pages
20 and 21 of the September 2009 Sky Magazine!
　
　
Shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/eye-of-the-leopard/
Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/eyeoftheleopard

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

CONTENTMENT

The lioness paused and sighed and stayed,
Her hothead cubs in tow,
For now, they stopped, the cubs obeyed
And they were lying low.
The sun still laboured in the sky,
The day went gently on...
They stared and watched the circle fly
So calmly as it shone.
How could they know its flames of fire?
Its furies far away?
Its spurting streams ascending higher?
Its passions night and day?
To them, the sun was like an eye
That witnessed good and bad...
And punished them and made them fry
And thirst till they went mad...
Yet mercy fell from Heaven, too...
Like raindrops and like tears...
And new days came with morning dew...
That melted all their fears...
And so, by faith, contentment flowed
As long as rivers lived...
To such as these their lives were owed
And life is no small gift...
The waters helped the trees stand tall,
Reach out and offer shade...
The lioness observed it all...
The way such things were made...
Yet only we can give God praise
For all that He has done...
Contentment comes... Contentment stays...
When wisdom's work is done...

Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2009.

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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Contentment'.
Shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/contentment-25/

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

price-drop tv on UK Freeview channel 43

August 2009 UK Freeview Update!

Yes, price-drop tv returns to UK Freeview after a long absence. So many customers requested it be on UK Freeview again. It means more Stephen Gayford pictures will be appearing for UK Freeview customers, too. Hopefully that means that price-drop tv will buy in more stock and feature more auctions during each week, especially in time for Christmas and the New Year.

My name has been mentioned in the past when the TV presenters and assistants discuss Stephen Gayford pictures and collectors. My poems are mentioned, too. I look forward to seeing some new titles featured on the websites and the TV channels and in the email newsletters...

WAITING FOR NIGHTFALL

Lionesses waiting for nightfall...
Time slipping by... so slow...
Twilight beckons them, with its call,
Bidding them soon to go.
'Come, my ladies, our time draws near,
When yonder sun must part
And silver moon must then appear,
The midnight dance to start...
Enchantments wait in shadows still,
When spirits roam the land...
Yet none of these can share the thrill
Of what tonight has planned...
This evening's sky will say goodbye
And darkness rules once more...
Then silvered twinkling eyes will spy
The truth behind each roar!
Behold the night! The fearsome thing!
When Nature's secrets hide
And creatures that can bite and sting
Won't sleep until they've tried...
Come, my ladies, our time is close,
We hunt for food in pairs...
If not, we starve, death overthrows
And ends our night affairs...
Our solemn business soon begins...
Our partnership persists...
May God forgive us for our sins...
As long as each exists...'

Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2009.

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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Waiting For Nightfall'.
Shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/waiting-for-nightfall/
Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/waitingfornightfall

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

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...

Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2009.

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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Young Hopeful'.
Shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/young-hopeful/
Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/younghopeful

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

ROYALTY

Consider creatures great and small
That live upon this Earth...
In fact, we cannot count them all
Or estimate their worth...
Yet here they are, they have their place,
Like birds that fill the skies!
Like fish that swim with gentle grace,
In tropic seas so nice!
On land, we find the lion rules,
A true majestic lord!
We learn of him within our schools...
How can he be ignored?
Untamed, unchanged, defiant still,
His roar sounds far and wide!
It makes the bravest hearts to chill,
That cannot be denied...
He always keeps us pondering,
The second he is seen.
This creature has been called a king...
The lioness, his queen...
As long as lions have their place,
His kingdom carries on...
Until we can no longer trace
These big cats... then it's gone...
It must be said, he looks the part!
Behold his majesty!
So bold he looks a work of art!
Like proper royalty!

Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2009.
My Poetry website: http://poem.says.it

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Royalty'.
Shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/royalty-6/

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

AUGUST 2009 UPDATE

I'm currently working on promoting Stephen Gayford.

He is a wildlife artist whose paintings are sold as prints:

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

These UK Shopping sites sometimes have Art Evenings.

I watch the broadcasts on Sky Digital and Freeview TV.

My 2009 Stephen Gayford poems are here:

http://www.poemhunter.com/search/?q=Gayford&Submit=Find&w=text

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems

Or here:

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

A Google image search for Stephen Gayford will show the artwork.

Lions and tigers are my favourites... so far...

August 2009 UPDATE:

Bid tv is on the TWITTER website and a link to my poems

was posted there: http://twitter.com/bidtv

Love Stephen Gayford? Here is a link to poetry inspired by
Stephen Gayford's prints - written by one of our customers.

http://bit.ly/16jh3o

7:41 AM Jun 3rd 2009 from TweetDeck

Thank you for sharing that link to the poemhunter website!

Regards, Denis Martindale, August 2009.

Here is a reminder of what this tribute blog is about:

STEPHEN GAYFORD

Masterpieces for the masses!
Loved lithographs! Sweet prints!
A treasure trove of canvasses
With wondrous shades and tints.
Consider how this painter hopes
To capture all he can.
Reflect on how he always copes
And stays the artisan.
With finite detail to control,
To share his point of view,
This artist has a special soul,
A noble spirit, too.
Rejecting basics and extremes,
Perfection to create.
Respecting quintessential dreams
And so encapsulate...
It's finished, no more need to fuss!
What glory this achieves!
Rejoicing in what's done for us,
That each, in time, receives.
There's joy as we anticipate
This craftsman's artistry!
Yes, all things come to those that wait...
Yet patience is the key...
How many paintings Stephen's done,
In truth, I cannot say,
Yet he portrays a sense of fun
At work, at home, at play...
If you're like me, you've got a few
To beautify your home...
So, Stephen, thank you! God bless you!
Wherever you may roam...

Denis Martindale, copyright, June 2009.

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

The poem is based on the magnificent paintings by artist
Stephen Gayford, as featured on UK Freeview's bid tv.

The poem has been shared on this website:
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/stephen-gayford/

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

And here 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

WISTFUL

The wistful tiger wondered why
Some leaves were making noise...
He watched them slowly moving by
Yet knew they had no choice...
Something alive was very close...
And yet what could it be?
There was no scent that reached his nose...
It stayed a mystery...
Then all at once, as if by chance,
He saw some ants below...
They made those tiny leaves to dance
As onward they must go.
The wistful tiger humbly praised
The strength they all possessed
And marvelled as he stared amazed,
For teamwork made them blessed!
From them, that's how his hunting plans
Formed in his mind that day...
Wise is the mind that understands
That there's a better way!
From that day on, his thoughts evolved,
To copy Nature's friends,
Who worked things out till they were solved!
On this, success depends!
Mankind has learnt this lesson, too...
He's learnt to swim and fly...
He's made some profit from each clue
That Nature's friends supply.
From submarines to aeroplanes,
Cows' milk and bees' honey,
From small machines to awesome trains!
Wisdom helps make money!
Inventors test their patents out
In countries far and wide!
So like the tiger, look about!
Let Nature be your guide...
You might get rich someday, real soon
And live life like a king!
If Nature's friends grant you a boon,
Who knows what Fate may bring?

Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2009.

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

My Poetry website is http://poem.says.it
The poem has been shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/wistful-5/

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

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

COOLING DOWN TIME

The tiger touched the water's edge...
What wonderment he felt...
As if cascading from a ledge,
His tensions seemed to melt...
The sun was not as harsh or fierce,
His coat was not so warm...
When hearts feel good, each burden clears
And gentle dreams take form.
His tender toes walked on soft mud...
His muscles eased once more...
The water helped to cool his blood,
So why should he explore?
Heavy's the head that wears the crown,
In charge of everything...
That's why he stayed and settled down...
Relaxing like a king...
Blessed by water he loves so dear,
Beneath the shady trees...
A wise man won't approach him here...
Not while he's found some peace...

Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2009.

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Cooling Down Time'.

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

The poem has been shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/cooling-down-time/
Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/coolingdowntime

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

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

TRIPLE TROUBLE

Two tiger cubs were laying low,
Until he came along...
Like someone you don't want to know,
Who's always doing wrong!
He cosied up, then he attacked!
He caught them unawares!
The scaredy-cats had to react,
Because they hated scares!
They pounced on him and bit his ears!
They squashed his swishing tail!
Their mother watched her little dears
As each one gave a wail...
Three tiger cubs in one mad fight!
She'd seen it all before...
And though she knew this was her plight,
She soon laid down the law!
The cubs submitted, just like that!
Went quiet... for a while...
The two cubs jumped and made him scat!
And showed they still had guile...
Cub number three, would strike again!
He'd catch them from behind!
He'd find another moment when
Revenge was on his mind!
He licked his tail, his twisted tail,
His poor tail hurt him so...
'Next time!' he said, ' I must not fail...
I'll match them blow for blow!'
The rogue male never learnt to love...
He learnt to live alone...
He learnt to live life in the rough...
His heart had turned to stone...
Don't be like him! He lost his way!
He thought that he was cool...
Remember always, when you play...
Be kind and never cruel!
If every one would seek the good,
There'd be less pains that sting!
If only siblings understood
What purr-fect peace can bring...

Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2009.

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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Triple Trouble'.
Shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/triple-trouble/
Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/tripletrouble

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 WISE ONE

Behold him! Bold, resilient,
The biggest of them all...
The wise one called the elephant
Who deafens with his call!

Behold the ears that span an arm,
The trunk that's like a snake...
The way he walks with gentle calm,
Yet swims across a lake!

Behold the tusks that help him fight,
As he defends the herd...
The twinkling eyes that grant him sight,
To see when danger stirred!

Behold the skin that hides his bones,
Like wrinkled leather slits...
The twisting tongue the wise one owns,
As in his mouth it sits!

Behold the awesome majesty,
This giant God has made!
His loss would be a travesty,
If hunted and betrayed!

Behold the challenge Man must face,
To keep each wise one safe...
For none of us can yet replace
The life that God once gave...

Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2009.

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'The Wise One'.
My Poetry website is http://poem.says.it

The poem has been shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-wise-one-2/
Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/thewiseone

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

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

THE KING

Sometimes a lion likes to pose,
To show off now and then...
You see, he's learnt to fight his foes
And knows he's feared by men...
He's seen them run like little girls
And trying not to fall!
It doesn't matter, lords or earls,
He knows he's king of all!
Sometimes a lion likes to stare,
As if he's deep in thought...
Or simply just to say beware,
'You may get caught for sport!'
He can't ignore the way he acts,
Pretend he's like a lamb...
He knows the whole world's learnt the facts...
'Yes, that is how I am...'
Sometimes a lion likes to smirk,
Like victors often do...
When sad defeated lions lurk,
That smirk says, 'I beat you!'
No need to growl, no need to roar...
No need to run for miles...
One grin, that's all it takes, no more...
A lion rarely smiles...
Sometimes a lion likes to flirt,
The ladies to impress...
It's then he plays the extrovert,
In search of happiness!
Imagine him... his lady fair...
A twinkle in his eye...
The King needs tender loving care...
It's time to say goodbye...

Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2009.

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

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

The poem has been shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-king-19/

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

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

THE BROTHERS

The cheetahs sensed that danger lurked
And so they stood, eyes right!
United here, few foes were shirked,
Why run when you can fight?
Though cheetahs can speed up and dash
Like lightning on the ground,
They knew that sometimes they would crash,
Spin forward, round and round!
If injured, then, how could they win?
So they remained alert...
If challenged, they would not give in,
Although they may get hurt...
To stand and fight is sometimes strong -
Each foe must be assessed!
To stand and fight is sometimes wrong -
Yet each must do his best!
The brothers brooded 'neath the sun -
No panic where to hide...
Not knowing yet what must be done -
Eyes staring side-to-side...
Both lean and mean, with strength to spare!
Defiant heartbeats raced...
Courageous cats beyond compare!
So seldom found when chased...
Yet who could say if they got caught?
Would this day be their end?
They lived their lives as they were taught,
Each had no better friend...
The brothers heard no further noise,
They felt that they were safe...
And though a false alarm annoys,
They found each other brave...

Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2009.

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

My Poetry website is http://poem.says.it
The poem has been shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-brothers-2/
Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/thebrothers

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

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

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...

Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2009.

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Forever Friends'.
My Poetry website is http://poem.says.it

The poem has been shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/forever-friends-14/
Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/foreverfriends

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

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

ENIGMATIC

The leopard lingered all alone,
At rest for all to see.
With curled-up tail, in mid-air zone,
That stayed there playfully.
Sometimes a leopard finds a spot
Where all seems quite serene...
A wistful part he likes a lot,
To melt into that scene...
Thus time itself slowed down as well,
Life settled to a pause...
In fact, there was no way to tell,
Except the sun, of course.
You see, the sun is prone to move
Across the pale blue sky...
As if it had something to prove,
Yet leopards know not why...
This leopard knew that sleep was near,
He felt it in his bones.
He sensed the sun would disappear,
Replaced by darkened tones.
Then shadows bring old dangers back
And predators that pounce...
When hunters prowl in midnight black,
Survival's all that counts.
For now, the sunshine was his friend...
If he stayed here, static...
That's why his mood was confident,
Cool and enigmatic...
Sunbathers know the peaceful glow
The sun was meant to share.
Why not let go? Just take things slow...
Forsaking every care...

Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2009.

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

SEPTEMBER 2009 POEM UPDATE!

THE POEM WAS READ OUT ON PRICE-DROP TV,
SO MAYBE THOUSANDS OR EVEN MILLIONS OF THE UK
£1 MEGADROP MADNESS VIEWERS HEARD MY POEM!
YES! THE STEPHEN GAYFORD PICTURE WAS SOLD FOR £1.

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

The poem has been shared on
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/enigmatic-2/

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

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