Thursday 28 November 2013

QUIET CONTEMPLATION...


The cheetah checked the local scene,
Not hunting, just aware,
With nothing new to intervene,
His heartbeat steady there...
When sometimes eyelids start to fall,
But sleep's the risk to take,
That's why he sighed, surveying all,
As if still on his break...

He had to pace himself, of course,
He couldn't run all day,
Nor could he go on distant tours
From his homeland to stray...
For now, when peace was all around,
He savoured what he could,
Enjoyed all the calm he found
Because it felt so good...

In contemplation, such as this,
The cheetah was relaxed,
Absorbing minutes of pure bliss,
Not stressed or tensed or taxed...
His nerves were soothed by quiet repose,
The sort so rarely shown,
The kind a cheetah seldom knows
Until he's on his own...


Denis Martindale, copyright, November 2013.


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


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

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


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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.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

Wednesday 27 November 2013

LAZY DAYS!


Oh, my word, that tiger's lazy!
Has he lost all his powers?
Or perhaps he's just plain crazy?
He hasn't moved for hours!
I know there's snow upon the ground
And there's not much to do,
Yet there he stays like he's snow bound
And hasn't got a clue!

D'you think he's hungry just like me?
Or has he had his fill?
He lays there like he's fancy free
And like he always will...
I've never seen the like before,
No point in taking pics!
He's absolutely quite the bore,
I'm twiddling thumbs for kicks!

Hey, you! Wake up and do something!
Get off your derriere!
Excuse me, pal, for wondering,
But please get up from there!
Oh, Lord, he's really moving fast!
Well, how was I to know?
OK, the time for jokes is past,
We've really got to go!


Denis Martindale, copyright, November 2013.


A second poem based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Lazy Days'.


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

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


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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.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

Tuesday 26 November 2013

SURVIVAL INSTINCT!


White tigers know a thing or two,
Their senses are quite keen,
But then it's knowing what to do,
Stay still, serene or mean?
The adult tiger knew much more
Than that small cub that day
And yet how could each one ignore
When fear won't go away?

The cub had everything to lose,
Perhaps with no way out,
With faith the instinct left to choose
To overcome its doubt...
For adult tigers do their best
When instinct tells them to
And so the cub its fear suppressed,
Believing they'd get through...

The safest place was there and then,
No running off alone
And just like counting upto ten
Helps courage to be shown...
This time, the danger gently past,
This time, to disapppear...
This time, no need to stay downcast,
This time, the coast was clear...


Denis Martindale, copyright, November 2013.


A second poem based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Instinct'.


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

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


Shared on

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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.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

HIDDEN DANGER!


The tiger knew that danger loomed,
This time with no mistake,
Perhaps this day he would be doomed,
His fear was real not fake...
A sense of dread can dull the mind
And then you lose a lot,
You need to run, but then you find
You're transfixed to the spot!

I saw him stand his ground and wait,
He didn't have a clue,
I saw him stare and hesitate,
Afraid to see things through...
I saw his whiskers stand on end,
His eyes move left to right
And yet on this you can depend,
I knew he'd soon take flight!

He shook his head, he strained his ears,
He flared his nostrils so,
But when all courage disappears,
He knew he had to go!
It's rare to see a tiger hide,
Or cower with dismay,
But I'll admit I stood with pride
To see him run away!


Denis Martindale, copyright, November 2013.


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


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

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


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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.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

BROTHERLY LOVE


Many tigers can get along,
Yet brothers most of all,
Beyond the bond that makes them strong,
Regardless, great or small...
Of all the creatures on this Earth,
That roam both near and far,
Heed well when tigers show their worth,
Each one proves he's a star!
Reach past the tiger's eye and see
Kept hidden there behind,
Enthusiastic harmony,
Valued because it's kind...
In families, where love holds sway,
No harm is borne of hate,
Much joy is brought and shared each day
And there to celebrate...
Rejoicing isn't always shown,
Try smiling every hour,
It's simply good they're not alone,
No need displaying power...
Distinguished fellows side by side
Are safe through self-control,
Love's there to bless each tiger's stride,
Each going for a stroll...


Denis Martindale, copyright, November 2013.


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


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

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


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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.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

BARBARY PRINCE


While Summer lends its warmth and light,
The lion swaggers well,
For he was born to fight the fight,
To have a tale to tell...
Sometimes to scatter scars around,
Sometimes to start the feast,
Sometimes to stand and thus astound
Each creature and each beast...

For many cower at his roar,
To cringe yet one more time,
Confronting fear of tooth and claw,
Of one who's in his prime...
For now, he's but a prince and yet
One day he'll rule as king,
Such that he'll be in no-one's debt,
Then he'll have everything...

The sun and moon care not of him,
The stars see nothing new,
Yet he can make the future grim
Before this day is through...
He craves no permit from the rest,
One roar and cowards flee,
One roar and everyone's impressed,
Yes, even folks like me!


Denis Martindale, copyright, November 2013.


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


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

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


Shared on

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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.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

ARCTIC GLOW


Amid the twilight, nestled there,
The lone wolf bides his time,
Upon the snow so cold, so bare,
Yet he looks quite sublime...
Amid the Arctic glow that gleams
And glistens, sparkling bright,
While other creatures close to dreams
Surrender to the night...

Yet he looks on, surveying all,
Regardless of life's trials,
Outliving those that fade and fall,
Surviving through with smiles...
For he stores Summers in his mind,
Recalling how things were,
The seasons life once left behind,
Each but a distant blur...

His wistful eyes still twinkle here
As snowflakes cool his head,
His recollections crystal clear
To soothe his soul instead...
He lives by grace, by sun, by moon,
Blessed by their Arctic glow,
Awaiting Spring that's coming soon,
To see the flowers grow...


Denis Martindale, copyright, November 2013.


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


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

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


Shared on

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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.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

ALPHA MALE


The wolf was well aware of things
That lesser wolves ignored,
For alpha males who lived like kings
Were hardly ever bored...
Too much at stake to let life slide,
Too much as life went on,
For alphas have no place to hide
And no place when they've gone...

So here and now are all they own,
As leaders of the pack
And lonely while they rule the throne,
For there's no turning back...
It's theirs as long as others fall
Beneath their power and might
And so, for now, they've got it all,
Protecting day and night...

It's Nature's way, for strength endures
The heat, the cool, the cold,
With dedication that ensures
Their steadfast grip and hold...
The years may come, the years may go,
Then old age takes its toll,
That's when new legends daily grow,
As new blood takes control...


Denis Martindale, copyright, November 2013.


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


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

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


Shared on

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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.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

ENTER THE KING!


The lion smoothly sauntered in
With royal poise and grace,
With confidence and winsome grin,
As if he owned the place...
And few were those who disagreed,
His sovereign status there,
Why risk their lives or just to bleed
With scars beyond compare?

He bore no qualms inflicting pain
Against an equal foe
And lesser foes caused him disdain,
For soon they had to go...
To lick their wounds, if still alive,
To curse and rue the day,
That they each chose to stand and strive
Against him, come what may...

Enter the King, His Majesty!
Gangway, he's coming through!
The fool would look him in the eye,
So credit where it's due...
Because the King is oh so large
And your blood he can spill...
Stand clear and let the King take charge,
To feast on what he will...


Denis Martindale, copyright, November 2013.


The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by wildlife artist Ian Kent called 'Enter The King'.
It's similar in style to Stephen Gayford prints.

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

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


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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.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

Friday 22 November 2013

WINTER WARMTH


The tiger laid upon the snow,
Contented in a way,
For he knew soon that it would go
And bring a warmer day...
From years gone by came sweet recall,
Of how warm warm could be,
Regardless of the snowflakes' fall,
The tiger stayed happy...

With patience still, he licked his arm,
With twinkles in his eyes,
Tranquillity had brought him calm
Instead of morbid sighs...
If only we could match his smile,
When Winter brings its cold,
Content with Christmas thoughts a while,
With gifts as good as gold!

No friend had he, no home to share,
No shelter but his coat,
Yet he had hope beyond compare
To serve as antidote...
No gifts had he, no socks, no shoes,
Yet peace lived in his heart...
This Christmas gift God helps us choose,
For it's the better part...


Denis Martindale, copyright, November 2013.


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


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

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


Shared on

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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.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

WINTER GAMES!


Two tigers roared with utmost glee,
Their Winter games to play,
Alive and simply glad to be,
No matter, come what may...
Their Winter coats kept them quite warm,
While they were so engaged,
Despite their menace and their form,
While acting so enraged!

They switched their bodies to and fro,
To gain the upper hand,
While keeping secrets as they go,
To carry out what's planned...
Yet all in fun, no hatred here,
No vicious streak within,
That's why they didn't show some fear
Or sign that they'd give in!

So on they went, roar after roar
And snarl and sneer and scowl,
While both of them were keeping score,
Beyond each grin and growl...
Then suddenly, their games complete,
They found sweet harmony
And that's something that none can beat,
Like Christmas, naturally!


Denis Martindale, copyright, November 2013.


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


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

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


Shared on

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http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/11/winter-games.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.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

WATER BABIES!


Two tiger cubs were nudged along
By Mum and Dad behind,
Who never thought the water wrong,
In fact, they thought it kind...
But these two cubs not yet convinced,
Were less impressed to try,
In fact, it could be said they winced
And wanted to stay dry!

Yet in they went, head first and yet,
They surfaced quite relieved,
No longer choosing now to fret,
As if, they, too, believed...
What was this thing, so silver bright
That shone beneath the sun,
That danced around both left and right
And just how was that done?

The tiger cubs could not explain!
They did not have a clue!
But when they found so much to gain,
They swam like tigers do!
The water was then loved instead,
They thought it such a thrill,
With paws outstetched to swim ahead,
They learnt a brand new skill!


Denis Martindale, copyright, November 2013.


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


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

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


Shared on

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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.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

THEIR FIRST LESSON


Young lions with their Mother went,
Yet life for them moved on
And adults learnt what this had meant
When childhood days were gone...
Now hunting skills would soon become
The lessons life would teach
And that was why each looked so glum,
Some brand new prey to reach...

Heads pointed forth, grim-faced and yet,
Starvation must be fought,
Regardless of their first regret,
With something newly-caught...
United as they were in this,
Survival was their aim,
It wasn't something borne of bliss,
When they were hunting game...

Mankind has hunted through the years,
From cavemen till today,
With bows and arrows and with spears,
Their hunger to obey...
Yet how else will young lions grow?
What other food to choose?
Hard lessons come, hard lessons go,
Some win, some draw, some lose...


Denis Martindale, copyright, November 2013.


The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Their First Lesson'.


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

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


Shared on

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/their-first-lesson/

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Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/their-first-lesson

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/11/their-first-lesson.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.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

SIDE BY SIDE


Two cheetah cubs were nestled close,
Eyes looking left and right,
While almost bumping nose to nose,
Just side by side, polite...
Without the playful attitude
That they had shared before,
This was no time to be that rude,
More like the time to snore!

They really hadn't paced at all,
The sun was warm not hot,
No wonder that they chose to fall
And lounge there on the spot...
While humans worked the whole day long,
They sunbathed day by day,
Of course, to them, that wasn't wrong,
It simply was their way...

No future pension scheme to plan,
No tax paid year by year,
No house, no car, no caravan,
No clothes, it would appear!
Just side by side, like most cubs do,
With Mum and Dad nearby...
My word, I really envy you!
Good luck! Good day! Goodbye!


Denis Martindale, copyright, November 2013.


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


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

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


Shared on

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/side-by-side-13/

Printer-friendly text version:

http://www.poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/side-by-side-13/

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/side-by-side-poem

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/11/side-by-side.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.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

SHALLOW WATERS


The tiger plodded in the stream
Though not thrilled to the core,
For things weren't as they used to seem,
Not quite like as before...
The water wasn't quite as wet
And certainly not high,
No wonder that he felt upset,
Quite miffed and puzzling why...

Where did that water run off to?
It just got up and left!
And there he stood, yet what to do
Except to look bereft?
Poor soul! My heart went out to him!
His back still piping hot,
Half-cooked, not wading to the brim
And swimming on the spot...

But he stopped me from swimming, there!
That stream looked mighty fine,
He didn't look like he would share,
Nor I to cross the line...
Before, I, too, my blood could chill,
While asking, 'When? When? When!?'
I had to watch and wait there till
He waded out again...


Denis Martindale, copyright, November 2013.


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


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

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


Shared on

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/shallow-waters/

Printer-friendly text version:

http://www.poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/shallow-waters/

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/shallow-waters

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/11/shallow-waters.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.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

MYSTERIOUS!


The cheetah strangely felt aware
That something strange was up,
Yet gone the days he felt despair,
Long since he was a cub...
For as an adult predator,
Each sound new secrets kept,
To help him learn what must occur,
If he stayed still or leapt!

So while a steadfast vigil meant
He must not move as yet,
His diligence would not relent
And neither would he fret...
For he had courage years bestowed
For moments just like these,
Adrenaline just overflowed,
As if his thoughts to tease...

This time, he knew he had to run,
His speed would save the day,
So off he fled, the battle won
When he got clean away...
The hunter that he was survived,
Mysterious and mean
And proved that when his meal arrived,
With none to intervene...


Denis Martindale, copyright, November 2013.


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


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

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


Shared on

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/mysterious-14/

Printer-friendly text version:

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Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/mysterious-poem

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/11/mysterious.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.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

LITTLE PRINCE


The leopard cub was quite petite
And on the little side,
No wonder that he looked so sweet
And gave his parents pride...
His eyes a-twinkling neath the sun
As he lounged here and there,
Yet all the time, their precious one,
Their prince beyond compare!

Their legacy upon this Earth,
Laid on his shoulders now,
As he took years to prove his worth
In all God would allow...
To roam around, then run around,
To pause, reflect, move on,
All through his life meant to astound,
Until his life was gone...

Would he maintain the royal line,
His legacy intact?
Sometime to love his Valentine
With kisses action-packed?
Perchance to grow and make new friends,
No more to be forlorn,
That's still the gamble life extends,
To every leopard born...


Denis Martindale, copyright, November 2013.


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


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

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


Shared on

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/little-prince/

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http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/11/little-prince.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.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

DEEP WATER!


The tiger cub had all but grown
And now the world seemed his,
For as a tiger all alone
Deep water proved such bliss...
The days were hot, yet he was warm,
Then went from warm to cool,
So from extremes he could transform
And bend things as a rule...

No wonder, then, a tiger grin
Was firmly on his face,
The second that he waded in
So gently, full of grace...
To see the bubbles near his nose
And silver ripples spread,
The sun reflecting all its glows
Straight up beyond his head...

This is the life, he soon declared,
His tootsies squelching mud,
His whiskers twitching, nostrils flared
And now much cooler blood...
The tricky part was when to leave
This sacred Shangri-La!
His former life on land retrieve
To wander near and far...


Denis Martindale, copyright, November 2013.


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


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

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


Shared on

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/deep-water-14/

Printer-friendly text version:

http://www.poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/deep-water-14/

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/deep-water-poem

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/11/deep-water.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.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

Wednesday 6 November 2013

I AM AN ELEPHANT!


It's true, I am an elephant!
In fact, I've always been!
I've got this trunk way up in front,
Stuck here, right in-between...
I've got two tusks that weigh a ton
That press and push and poke
And it's like God was having fun
And thinks it's all a joke...

I've got these massive ears as well,
Like pizzas piping hot
And four feet that are bound to swell,
So thankful I am not...
I've got a teeny-weeny tail
That I'm too fat to see,
That swirls around when there's a gale
And keeps on swatting me...

Now, is this fair? Now, is this right?
Just munching all day long...
To end up bloated through the night,
Like something's really wrong?
With pesky flies upon my hide
And birds upon my back,
My word, the times I've sighed and sighed
I can't give them a whack...

And when I run, it's hard to stop,
Fair warning, please stand clear,
'Cos if you don't, you're sure to drop,
Squashed flat when I come near...
And must the sun be oh so bright?
It really hurts my eyes...
But no-one listens to my plight,
Again, that's no surprise...

No wonder, then, I've had enough!
I'd rather be a cat!
If not, I'd rather be a dove,
A pigeon or a bat!
If not, I'd rather be a cow,
A horse, that's what I want!
Just anything, because right now,
I am an elephant!


Denis Martindale, copyright, October 2013.


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

Poem shared on http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/i-am-an-elephant/

Print-friendly text here:

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http://tinyurl.com/i-am-an-elephant

More of my elephant poems are found here:

http://tinyurl.com/elephant-poems