MERRY CHRISTMAS WISHES!

May God bless those who love His Name
This coming Christmas Day,
Because life's never quite the same
When we give thanks and pray.

God's Son was born to save Mankind...
Men brought gifts from afar.
By faith, they followed close behind
The glowing guiding star.

By night the distant lands they crossed,
A king to meet and greet.
We can but guess how much it cost
To lay gifts at His feet.

They looked to Heaven's silver sign
And yet they brought Him gold.
To them, you see, He was divine
And glorious to behold.

It mattered not to see Him there,
A babe in Mary's arms.
A helpless child who needed care,
A lullaby that calms.

To them, He was of noble birth,
Predestined yet to rule.
To them, His mother proved her worth,
Enduring pains so cruel.

Together now, this scene portrays
The wise and mystical.
So celebrate this day of days...
Because it's beautiful...


Denis Martindale


MERRY CHRISTMAS
SANTA
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

SNUGGLING UP...

There comes a time before they snooze
When lions snuggle, too,
When such a closeness none refuse,
As that's the thing to do...
And so a warmth ensues each time,
A sweet tranquillity,
A bond of friendship so sublime,
As if it's meant to be...

It's not their way to stay aloof,
No profit comes by that,
Each generation serves as proof,
That true love's where it's at...
Nobody's there to say that's cool,
Yet each knows, it feels great...
Nobody thinks that they're a fool,
They see it as first rate...

When people hug, it's quickly done,
But snuggling close persists,
It's more than love because it's fun,
Unless some fool resists...
I thought that it was understood,
Like kissing... day and night...
So please don't shun what looks so good!
Join in and snuggle tight...


Denis Martindale December 2016.


Poem based on the magnificent Stephen Gayford
wildlife painting. Google-search phrases
gayford prints and Stephen Gayford poetry
and also for Heaven and Earth Designs...


Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/snuggling-up/

Shortcut:

http://tinyurl.com/snuggling-up

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/snuggling-up/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2016/12/snuggling-up.html

http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=160_620


HAED finished pieces gallery:

Please click the link and then click on the left
of screen link for "Show Albums and Stories".

http://s1327.photobucket.com/albums/u678/HAED-Gallery/

Several HAED Fantasy Art artists have pictures
on my website click-a-pic full screen galleries
slideshows, including some wildlife pictures.

http://www.fantasyart.ukartists.com/

:::
:::

THE COMPANIONS, TOO

When tigers choose to form a bond,
Great positives can flow,
Like energies that pass beyond
These lives, yet forward go...
Into the lives of those unborn,
As generations change,
Such that no tiger feels forlorn,
Alone, distant, or strange...

To have companions makes life great,
Because each teaches love,
Because each helps us celebrate
Each time we rise above...
And tigers feel that way as well,
As long as friends stay close,
As long as there are tales to tell
From memories they chose...

If tigers, common beasts they are,
Embrace companions near,
Or think of those who live afar,
Recalling times held dear,
Then why should we, deny such joys,
Not one thought to discuss?
Each one of us must make a choice,
You see, that's up to us!


Denis Martindale December 2016.


Poem based on the magnificent Stephen Gayford
wildlife painting. Google-search phrases
gayford prints and Stephen Gayford poetry
and also for Heaven and Earth Designs...


Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/the-companions-too/

Shortcut:

http://tinyurl.com/the-companions-too

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/the-companions-too/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-companions-too.html

http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=160_620


HAED finished pieces gallery:

Please click the link and then click on the left
of screen link for "Show Albums and Stories".

http://s1327.photobucket.com/albums/u678/HAED-Gallery/

Several HAED Fantasy Art artists have pictures
on my website click-a-pic full screen galleries
slideshows, including some wildlife pictures.

http://www.fantasyart.ukartists.com/

:::
:::

WADING IN, TOO...

The tiger sweltered in the sun
And wandered to the stream,
Then, finally, that battle done,
He stood there in a dream...
To wade in now, or wait a while?
To wade in now, or not?
He waded in, with such a smile,
Because it was so hot!

Then came the shivers, waters high,
That sudden cooling chill,
Adjusting to it by and by,
As if a short-lived thrill...
Then mellowing to all it gave,
The mud beneath his feet,
With time enough to gently bathe,
Sensations, oh, so sweet...

The tiger humbled, yet at rest,
His whiskers drooping wet,
Yet memories of feeling blessed,
The likes he'd not forget...
Perhaps it's only humans who
Praise God for such repose,
Or could it be, that big cats do?
Alas, God only knows...


Denis Martindale December 2016.


Poem based on the magnificent Stephen Gayford
wildlife painting. Google-search phrases
gayford prints and Stephen Gayford poetry
and also for Heaven and Earth Designs...


Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/wading-in-too/

Shortcut:

http://tinyurl.com/wading-in-too

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/wading-in-too/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2016/12/wading-in-too.html

http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=160_620


HAED finished pieces gallery:

Please click the link and then click on the left
of screen link for "Show Albums and Stories".

http://s1327.photobucket.com/albums/u678/HAED-Gallery/

Several HAED Fantasy Art artists have pictures
on my website click-a-pic full screen galleries
slideshows, including some wildlife pictures.

http://www.fantasyart.ukartists.com/

:::
:::

ENCHANTED!

The first white tiger ever seen
Was quite a while ago,
Yet, from then on, Mankind was keen
To let the whole world know...
And while its numbers are quite small,
It's famous far and wide,
Its beauty still enchants us all,
For this, the Lord supplied...

To some, the Bengal Tiger's great,
Though it's not black and white,
That first white tiger turned up late,
But, boy, was he a sight!
When decades passed, I saw one, too,
Yet doubted for a while...
But suddenly, it filtered through,
That's when I chose to smile!

But don't think I approached real close,
I kept right where I was,
No point to pat him on the nose,
No need to make him cross...
I took some pictures, left him there,
Praised God, then walked away...
Next year, I saw a Panda Bear,
That really made my day!

Denis Martindale December 2016.


Poem based on the magnificent Stephen Gayford
wildlife paintings. Google-search phrases
gayford prints and Stephen Gayford poetry
and also for Heaven and Earth Designs...


Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/enchanted-22/

Shortcut:

http://tinyurl.com/enchanted-poetry

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/enchanted-22/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2016/12/enchanted.html

http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=160_620


HAED finished pieces gallery:

Please click the link and then click on the left
of screen link for "Show Albums and Stories".

http://s1327.photobucket.com/albums/u678/HAED-Gallery/

Several HAED Fantasy Art artists have pictures
on my website click-a-pic full screen galleries
slideshows, including some wildlife pictures.

http://www.fantasyart.ukartists.com/

:::
:::

POLAR BEAR

Was it just fate he posed right there,
That Polar Bear I saw?
Then at his own domain to stare,
Not hoping for much more?
Upon a frozen mountain peak,
To see his world below,
Mid temperatures so cold and bleak,
The likes that few could know?

Yet I was there, nearby, unseen,
I saw what he could see,
An outstretched landscape, pure, pristine,
Reflecting majesty...
He saw his home, while I saw land,
He saw his life ahead,
I saw a vacant void God planned
And yearned my home instead...

The bear thought it was Paradise,
The place where he was born,
To me, a giant block of ice
That made me feel forlorn...
While he was glad to live and stay,
I saw no need to roam,
Except to leave, to walk away,
Back to my own warm home...


Denis Martindale December 2016.


Poem based on the magnificent Stephen Gayford
wildlife painting. Google-search phrases
gayford prints and Stephen Gayford poetry
and also for Heaven and Earth Designs...


Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/polar-bear-4/

Shortcut:

http://tinyurl.com/polar-bear-poem

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/polar-bear-4/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2016/12/polar-bear.html

http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=160_620


HAED finished pieces gallery:

Please click the link and then click on the left
of screen link for "Show Albums and Stories".

http://s1327.photobucket.com/albums/u678/HAED-Gallery/

Several HAED Fantasy Art artists have pictures
on my website click-a-pic full screen galleries
slideshows, including some wildlife pictures.

http://www.fantasyart.ukartists.com/

:::
:::

THE ROBIN AND THE SNOWMAN!

The robin on the tree branch saw
The children in the snow,
To see a sight none could ignore,
He watched their snowman grow...
Two arms, two legs, two ears, two eyes,
One mouth, one nose, one scarf,
The robin smiled with some surprise
And then began to laugh!

And when they turned to go inside,
He landed on its head,
The children's mouths dropped open wide,
So they stood still instead...
The robin twisted left and right,
Like Elvis in his prime,
The children giggled with delight
At something so sublime...

And with their smartphone cameras there,
The videos were made,
For sites like YouTube, where folks share
The funny stuff that's played...
And someone added music, too,
You know how people are,
And yet, in truth, I'm telling you,
That robin's now a star!


Denis Martindale November 2016.


Poem based on the magnificent Stephen Gayford
wildlife painting. Google-search phrases
gayford prints and Stephen Gayford poetry
and also for Heaven and Earth Designs...


Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/the-robin-and-the-snowman/

Shortcut:

http://tinyurl.com/the-robin-and-the-snowman

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/the-robin-and-the-snowman/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-robin-and-snowman.html

http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=160_620


HAED finished pieces gallery:

Please click the link and then click on the left
of screen link for "Show Albums and Stories".

http://s1327.photobucket.com/albums/u678/HAED-Gallery/

Several HAED Fantasy Art artists have pictures
on my website click-a-pic full screen galleries
slideshows, including some wildlife pictures.

http://www.fantasyart.ukartists.com/

:::
:::

THE EXCITING EXHIBITION!

The exciting exhibition
Was opened by the Queen,
Who smiled at the precision
And close-up details seen...
For Stephen Gayford tried his best
To capture what he saw,
That's why, of course, she was impressed,
Like everyone before...

She marvelled at the meerkats' grins,
With smiles from side-to-side,
As well as other meerkat prints
That fans bought nationwide...
And nodded sagely with respect
At lions, tigers, bears,
While penguins made the Queen reflect
On how each parent cares...

Did she buy pictures? Just a few!
In fact, she bought the lot!
And no-one tells her what to do
With hundreds that she got!
She's placed some in the Palace,
The rest on castle walls!
One hopes such pictures brought her bliss,
The little miracles!


Denis Martindale November 2016.


Poem based on hundreds and hundreds of
magnificent Stephen Gayford wildlife paintings.
Google-search phrases to search for:
gayford prints and Stephen Gayford poetry
and also for Heaven and Earth Designs...


Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/the-exciting-exhibition/

Shortcut:

http://tinyurl.com/the-exciting-exhibition

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/the-exciting-exhibition/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-exciting-exhibition.html

http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=160_620


HAED finished pieces gallery:

Please click the link and then click on the left
of screen link for "Show Albums and Stories".

http://s1327.photobucket.com/albums/u678/HAED-Gallery/

Several HAED Fantasy Art artists have pictures
on my website click-a-pic full screen galleries
slideshows, including some wildlife pictures.

http://www.fantasyart.ukartists.com/

:::
:::

SNOW LEOPARD, TOO

The sad snow leopard waited still,
Perhaps he'd eat today,
Perhaps find warmth against the chill
That was snow-bound to stay...
The sun arose, yet gave no heat
Enough to melt the ice
And so life wasn't quite as sweet
And hardly Paradise...

But life goes on, and on, and on,
So hope guides daily through
And even when that sun has gone,
Returning with the dew...
That's why this leopard persevered,
A lesson to us all,
Despite the fact that life felt weird
And joy hard to recall...

He was no tiger, strong and brave,
Yet still he stayed alive,
Accepting everything God gave,
In order to survive...
I can't say that I envy him
When I pause to reflect,
Yet he continues, though life's grim...
And that deserves respect...


Denis Martindale November 2016.


Poem based on the magnificent Stephen Gayford
wildlife painting. Google-search phrases
gayford prints and Stephen Gayford poetry
and also for Heaven and Earth Designs...

Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/snow-leopard-too/

Shortcut:

http://tinyurl.com/snow-leopard-too

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/snow-leopard-too/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2016/11/snow-leopard-too.html

http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=160_620


HAED finished pieces gallery:

Please click the link and then click on the left
of screen link for "Show Albums and Stories".

http://s1327.photobucket.com/albums/u678/HAED-Gallery/

Several HAED Fantasy Art artists have pictures
on my website click-a-pic full screen galleries
slideshows, including some wildlife pictures.

http://www.fantasyart.ukartists.com/

:::
:::

FULL SCREEN SLIDESHOWS!

Having used a computer, as well as
some Internet devices, to view and
save images, I know that there are
PC programs, as well as the Google
Play Store apps that can be used to
display images in a full screen style.
I've created the Fantasy Art demo
to display such artwork collections.
I've even edited the original art
images to highlight details better.

With Stephen Gayford images,
it's not as easy to do this, because
most ebay images are the framed
art and not always captured as
well as professional photographers
and editors and website designers.
Some images are not correctly
aligned or in focus anyway and
may include some reflections that
show the photographers, too...

Even so, there are several full art
images without any extra white
space around the art itself and
without a gold or silver frame...
When we right-click an image,
or choose some other way to save
an image, or a complete web page,
we really ought to check Google
for Stephen Gayford images, too.
We can then use the Search Tools
option for image size ranges eg
large only, or 2 MB or higher...
Whatever gets us high quality,
hi-res or high resolution images.

Perhaps we use photo editors
installed on our PCs, or use the
various online editors, or apps.
The Gadget Show, here in the UK,
recently featured Android apps
that allow us to test what features
are user-friendly for amateurs,
not just the professionals...

I've used Paint Shop Pro for years
and can crop images, rotate them,
resize and reshape them, plus add
fancy frames to match the style
of Stephen Gayford artworks...

I've also tested Android apps,
some highly recommended on the
Google Play Store. Even so, it helps
to maintain Android devices and
close apps to release extra storage
space for our immediate editing
to continue to work for us...

A Google search for recommended
photo editing and slideshow apps
will also help beyond what the
Google Play Store search option
provides. Also check app web pages
for links to the creators' websites.

Nowadays, there is video content
for 4K or Ultra HD quality...
Most of my UK Freeview shows
were recorded on a Fetch TV
Smartbox in the MP2 format.
Though bid tv and price-drop tv
UK shopping channels have gone,
they were in standard definition,
yet today's video editor programs
can create better quality versions.
Some website designers would
merely create animated gifs or the
swf file format versions instead.
I prefer a slideshow the website
visitor controls in a click-a-pic
style when the visitor wants to
view the next slideshow image.

Once I got my website online,
I was able to create web pages
for each full screen image so
that there was no web page
margins, top, base, left or right.
No scrollbars, as these weren't
required, just click the image
to get the next to load up.
Even here, some web designers
could create some use of the
pre-fetch action that loads up
a collection of images prior to
their being viewed on screen.

I kept the web page text simple,
so I could get on with about 500
for the Fantasy Art demo to work
for several Fantasy Art galleries.
Once known, the web pages were
easier to test. I used thumbnails
to display the galleries and then
it's just a matter of clicking for
that first thumbnail image.

Don't think this demo was just for
a medium size PC monitor, as it
was for the Netgem iPlayer to
display full screen on our TVs.
This Internet box was before the
Fetch TV Smartbox and it was
better at viewing websites. That
meant medium and large TVs
really showing the big picture.

Google Mini Slideshow option:

By the way, when we visit Google
for search results, the image tab
then displays a collection of images
and if we click one, it opens a black
screen area with that image and
links to it separately, as well as its
website, or web page. A few extra
images appear on the right to view
these, too. Next is a right arrow
that loads the next Google image,
In effect, it's a limited slide show.

Furthermore, we can select the
choice of a website, rather than
every available website. So we
may select a free-to-use images
website like unsplash.com or
pixabay.com instead. Adding a
keyword helps refine the results:

eg type in this test phrase...

site:www.unsplash.com tiger

or

site:www.pixabay.com lion

Google then loads up website
links so we switch to click the
images tab instead then select
the first image and begin our
very own mini slideshow.

Scroll down a web page display!

An alternative of a side-by-slide
slideshow is when we find a
collection of images, such as in an
Internet website's directory eg
Index of...

We merely click on the selected
image filename based on its
file size, avoiding any obvious
smaller file thumbnail images...
If we use a website editor, we can
edit and create the extra web page
that displays all these images and
just load that up and scroll down the
web page instead. Or adjust the
width= value to pixels or the screen
width percentage. We can set the left
and right margin to zero and then we
can view so much better than before.
A more advanced option is editing
the picclick image results from the
smaller or the larger images up to
the best sizes available eg the s-l1600
size for ebay auction images...

Suggested Links:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/
http://www.ebay.com/
http://www.picclick.co.uk/

http://www.google.co.uk/
http://www.google.com/

http://www.unsplash.com/
http://www.pixabay.com/
http://www.photobucket.com/
http://www.pinterest.com/

Full screen Fantasy Art demo:

http://www.fantasyart.ukartists.com/

Denis Martindale November 2016.


http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2016/11/full-screen-slideshows.html

For extra artwork designs, I recommend:

http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=160_620

LONE WOLF:

http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=160_620&products_id=14184&zenid=a918757974e8116e26b48a578350b8d1

IMAGE:

http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/bmz_cache/s/stephen_gayford-lone-wolfjpg.image.400x558.jpg

HAED finished pieces gallery:

Please click the link and then click on the left
of screen link for "Show Albums and Stories".

http://s1327.photobucket.com/albums/u678/HAED-Gallery/

Several HAED Fantasy Art artists have pictures
on my website click-a-pic full screen galleries
slideshows, including some wildlife pictures.

http://www.fantasyart.ukartists.com/

:::
:::

GREETINGS!

While most of the items produced by
Stephen Gayford were by Osborne
and Allen and seen on their website,
here in the UK, we bought from the
Freeview and Sky shopping channels.
So I got used to listening to the TV
presenters explaining some of the
stories behind the wildlife paintings.
One day, I saw something different.
There was a collection of the artist's
pictures presented as greetings cards.
At another time, there was a calendar.

Of all the animals painted, there was
a picture of a redbreasted robin... and
this is one of my favourites, as this has
appeared in many  a Christmas card.
So the complete collection ever painted
didn't exclude some of the UK animals.
Some of these fine art paintings have
been seen on Ebay and included the
badger and the owl and the robin and
a few of the birds seen at the seaside.

Stephen Gayford's safari trips were
to see the animals in their habitats
and to capture photos and sketches.
The black and white mini sketches are
often seen when we look at the prints.
Thankfully, many ebay sellers provide
us with their close-up photos of these
and the signatures and the rear panel
with titles and extra details...

Some of the greetings cards were sold
with the tip that they could be framed.
Even so, I've never seen mini frames
with these greetings cards or with the
larger and more detailed calendars.
Usually, it's just the original artwork
prints or lithographs in their frames.
Of these, it's the just canvas textured
prints that look like the greetings cards
or the calendars in the designs that
were selected for the Wild about Art
collections.

It's not like we can create our very
own greetings cards out of hundreds
of Stephen Gayford pictures or create
collages from a few of these either.
It's much more likely that we would
buy the greetings cards and keep these
at home, never sending these to others
for Christmas, Easter or birthdays or
other celebrated events. Why break up
the collection? Even so, if you see such
a collection sold on ebay, it's worth the
effort to view the larger zoom images.

From these, you'll recognise animals
being sold in other ebay prints, yet
it's easier to view these with their
titles using the picclick.co.uk site as
previously recommended since the
site has a zoom-in scale bar above
the display of dozens of images and
we can select the order eg low price
to high price and so on.

While it's obvious the calendars sold
are out-of-date and may not match
the current year's days of the week,
the pictures still look impressive on
a month-by-month basis, but imagine
how they would look as a collection
of TWELVE fully-framed pictures!
Your very own Stephen Gayford
wildlife art exhibition. WOW!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/
http://www.ebay.com/
http://www.picclick.co.uk/

Denis Martindale November 2016.


http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2016/11/greetings.html

For extra artwork designs, I recommend:

http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=160_620

LONE WOLF:

http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=160_620&products_id=14184&zenid=a918757974e8116e26b48a578350b8d1

IMAGE:

http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/bmz_cache/s/stephen_gayford-lone-wolfjpg.image.400x558.jpg

HAED finished pieces gallery:

Please click the link and then click on the left
of screen link for "Show Albums and Stories".

http://s1327.photobucket.com/albums/u678/HAED-Gallery/

Several HAED Fantasy Art artists have pictures
on my website click-a-pic full screen galleries
slideshows, including some wildlife pictures.

http://www.fantasyart.ukartists.com/

:::
:::

LONE WOLF HAED info

LONE WOLF:

http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=160_620&products_id=14184&zenid=a918757974e8116e26b48a578350b8d1

IMAGE:

http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/bmz_cache/s/stephen_gayford-lone-wolfjpg.image.400x558.jpg

LONE WOLF, TOO

The lone wolf, like a statue stood,
Feet firmly in the snow,
Surveying all the neighbourhood
While feeling somewhat low...
For hunger in that bitter cold
Was like a pain that gnawed,
With food more precious than pure gold,
Refined and freshly poured...

His black coat matched his stern-faced gaze,
His eyes searched here and there,
Were these his awful, final days
Or was there food somewhere?
Though humans judge what he must do,
They, too, would hunt as well,
Slowed down by snow, less life to view,
The opposite of Hell...

But Winter takes its toll on all,
No life on Earth gets spared,
Keep warm, safe, fed... or else you'll fall,
As if nobody cared...
The food he caught was all his own,
No other dividends,
The lone wolf had to hunt alone,
No fellowship, no friends...


Denis Martindale October 2016.


Poem based on the magnificent wildlife painting
by Stephen Gayford. Google-search phrases
gayford prints and Stephen Gayford poetry
and also for Heaven and Earth Designs...

Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/lone-wolf-too/

Shortcut:

http://tinyurl.com/lone-wolf-too

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/lone-wolf-too/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2016/10/lone-wolf-too.html

http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=160_620

HAED finished pieces gallery:

Please click the link and then click on the left
of screen link for "Show Albums and Stories".

http://s1327.photobucket.com/albums/u678/HAED-Gallery/

Several HAED Fantasy Art artists have pictures
on my website click-a-pic full screen galleries
slideshows, including some wildlife pictures.

http://www.fantasyart.ukartists.com/

:::
:::

TENDERNESS, TOO...

The lioness and cub walked on,
The cub in awe of her,
Despite her size, all fear had gone,
For what harm could occur?
For perfect love casts out all fear,
As if no threat exists,
And only love would dare appear,
Then stay, for love persists...

The cub looked up to her each day,
Each dawn and afternoon,
When evening came and light gave away,
With each night coming soon...
Yet in the twilight, twinkling eyes
Still shone like beacons there,
For steadfast love none can disguise,
If we but stay aware...

And so the cub grew strong and brave,
As handsome as could be,
Because of love his mother gave,
From when he was born free...
Such that her wisdom filled his heart,
To guide him through and through...
And while that wisdom was the start,
She brought her tenderness, too...


Denis Martindale October 2016.


Poem based on the magnificent wildlife painting
by Stephen Gayford. Google-search phrases
gayford prints and Stephen Gayford poetry
and also for Heaven and Earth Designs...


Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/tenderness-too/

Shortcut:

http://tinyurl.com/tenderness-too

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/tenderness-too/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2016/10/tenderness-too.html


http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=160_620

HAED finished pieces gallery:

Please click the link and then click on the left
of screen link for "Show Albums and Stories".

http://s1327.photobucket.com/albums/u678/HAED-Gallery/

Several HAED Fantasy Art artists have pictures
on my website click-a-pic full screen galleries
slideshows, including some wildlife pictures.

http://www.fantasyart.ukartists.com/

:::
:::

WAITING FOR MOTHER, TOO!

Two tiger cubs watched Mother go,
While they sat still to wait,
But how long for, they didn't know,
So patience would be great...
But time went by, so they laid down,
Eyes upward now and then,
To see her stripes of black and brown
If she came back again...

Distracted, they began to play,
As if that never fails,
They chewed each other's ears that day,
Then switched to biting tails...
The novelty, of course, wore thin,
Pain tends to do that fast
And since not one of them could win,
Not one came first or last...

Their Mother in the distance stood,
At peace for both to see,
So their mood changed and for the good,
For she brought harmony...
Chewed ears and tails would heal in time,
Yet now a bond was made,
They saw their Mother as sublime,
Who walked tall, unafraid...


Denis Martindale October 2016.


Poem based on the magnificent wildlife paintings
by Stephen Gayford. Google-search phrases
gayford prints and Stephen Gayford poetry
and also for Heaven and Earth Designs...

Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/waiting-for-mother-too/

Shortcut:

http://tinyurl.com/waiting-for-mother-too

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/waiting-for-mother-too/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2016/10/waiting-for-mother-too.html


http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=160_620

HAED finished pieces gallery:

Please click the link and then click on the left
of screen link for "Show Albums and Stories".

http://s1327.photobucket.com/albums/u678/HAED-Gallery/

Several HAED Fantasy Art artists have pictures
on my website click-a-pic full screen galleries
slideshows, including some wildlife pictures.

http://www.fantasyart.ukartists.com/

:::
:::

SAFETY IN NUMBERS, TOO

The zebra foals are precious things,
Great legacies of love,
As from their mothers each one springs
And then stands up above...
To take first steps before they run,
To learn truths thought as good,
For dangers prowl beneath the sun
Within their neighbourhood...

If not for thousands old times past,
What numbers would survive?
For predators are mean and fast,
Hunt food to stay alive...
For bellies grumble, full of pain,
Determined to live on,
So predators must hunt again
Till yet more lives are gone...

The zebra foals can smile all day
When all is going well,
Both safe and sound, yet must not stray
Or lag behind a spell...
But just the same, the numbers count,
Once dwindling, all is lost,
As long as predators surround
To make some pay the cost...


Denis Martindale October 2016.


Poem based on the magnificent wildlife painting
by Stephen Gayford. Google-search phrases
gayford prints and Stephen Gayford poetry
and also for Heaven and Earth Designs...

Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/safety-in-numbers-too/

Shortcut:

http://tinyurl.com/safety-in-numbers-too

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/safety-in-numbers-too/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2016/10/safety-in-numbers-too.html


http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=160_620

HAED finished pieces gallery:

Please click the link and then click on the left
of screen link for "Show Albums and Stories".

http://s1327.photobucket.com/albums/u678/HAED-Gallery/

Several HAED Fantasy Art artists have pictures
on my website click-a-pic full screen galleries
slideshows, including some wildlife pictures.

http://www.fantasyart.ukartists.com/

:::
:::

HEAVY GOING! (AND HAED GALLERIES)

HEAVY GOING!


The Bengal Tiger heaved a sigh
As through the snow he lurched,
For, without food, he soon would die,
So onward still he searched...
The pure white dazzling snow would crunch
Beneath his furry feet,
Yet he could only think of lunch,
But what was there to eat?

He still recalled the Winters past,
So heavy going then,
Yet this one now could be his last,
Would he see one again?
Despite the cold and bitter winds,
He wondered what he'd done,
Reflecting on his lifestyle's sins
Beneath that distant sun...

When once he'd eaten, doubts were changed,
No more the daunted soul,
No more, as if new hopes arranged,
Fresh thoughts now in control...
Come Summer and some friendly mate,
A family could start!
And suddenly, he felt just great,
All warmed up in his heart!


Denis Martindale October 2016.


Poem based on the magnificent wildlife painting
by Stephen Gayford. Google-search phrases
gayford prints and Stephen Gayford poetry
and also for Heaven and Earth Designs...

Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/heavy-going/

Shortcut:

http://tinyurl.com/heavy-going

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/heavy-going/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2016/10/heavy-going.html


Heavy Going is one of thirteen pictures here:

http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=160_620

HAED finished pieces gallery:

Please click the link and then click on the left
of screen link for "Show Albums and Stories".

http://s1327.photobucket.com/albums/u678/HAED-Gallery/

Several HAED Fantasy Art artists have pictures
on my website click-a-pic full screen galleries
slideshows, including some wildlife pictures.

http://www.fantasyart.ukartists.com/

:::
:::

WATCHFUL! (AND HAED GALLERIES)

WATCHFUL!

The creatures that survive the best
Stay watchful as a rule,
To keep an eye on all the rest,
They must not act the fool...
For while it's nice that friends exist,
Some foes surround us all,
So it's much safer to persist
Than need a miracle...

The wily wolf still hunts his prey,
The lion, too, must eat
And it would really make their day
To taste something that's sweet...
God's creatures try to keep alert,
By land, by sea and air,
So that their loved ones don't get hurt,
They strive to stay aware...

The watchful ones climb trees or hide,
Like meerkats down their holes,
Or learn the tricks their parents tried,
Like zebras and their foals...
If life's worth living, live it well,
Be wise as you can be
And keep close watch, so you can tell,
You're safe from all you see!


Denis Martindale October 2016.


Poem based on the magnificent wildlife painting
by Stephen Gayford. Google-search phrases
gayford prints and Stephen Gayford poetry
and also for Heaven and Earth Designs...


Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/watchful-3/

Shortcut:

http://tinyurl.com/watchful-poem

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/watchful-3/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2016/10/watchful-poem-and-haed-galleries.html


http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=160_620

HAED Gallery

Please click the link and then click on the left
of screen link for "Show Albums and Stories".

http://s1327.photobucket.com/albums/u678/HAED-Gallery/

Several HAED Fantasy Art artists have pictures
on my website click-a-pic full screen galleries
slideshows, including some wildlife pictures.

http://www.fantasyart.ukartists.com/

:::
:::

STEPHEN GAYFORD ARTIST INFO

Stephen Gayford explaining his wildlife paintings:

(Found on the HAED website)

Heaven and Earth Designs...

http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=160_620

Artist Information

Stephen Gayford is among the foremost
wildlife artists in the UK and his art is
appreciated by many international collectors.

As a professional artist Stephen paints from
a depth of knowledge and passion and each
work is inspired and informed by countless
hours of personal observation and research.
By combining intricate detail, dramatic lighting,
and anatomical accuracy, he has become
widely known for his "up close and personal"
compositions.

He travels frequently to research his subjects in
their natural habitat believing there is no substitute
for personal experience in the field. More often,
he'd rather be on safari in the thick of the experience
than indoors painting it.

He says, "Painting, for me, has never been a hobby,
it's not a relaxing experience - I feel compelled, even
driven to paint - I have heard professional writers
and sportsmen say the same. Since I was twelve I
have always painted. It is a passion, a labour of love.
I dislike front light, (i.e. the sun behind the
observer), I prefer back light or side light, or
diffused light as on a cloudy or dusty day. I love
dust and mist because it portrays the volume of air
between the objects."

"I start with little sketches in pencil on an A5 sized
pad. I may do one, two or twelve until I get the
right composition. When painting I have a large
mirror behind me and I sometimes view the painting
in reverse. If something in the painting does not
feel right to me, it becomes obvious in the
reflection and I can then easily correct it. People
often ask how long it takes me to do a painting.
The answer is, I don't really know. I work on
between two and ten at once. I like paintings when
I first start them as they have a simplicity, and
the more I work on them, sometimes the further
away from the original inspiration they can become,
so I start another one."

"By the time I have started the third or fourth one
I can return to the first and work on it with a
new inspiration."

http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=160_620

Finished pieces gallery:


HAED Gallery

Please click the link and then click on the left
of screen link for "Show Albums and Stories".

http://s1327.photobucket.com/albums/u678/HAED-Gallery/

Several HAED Fantasy Art artists have pictures
on my website click-a-pic full screen galleries
slideshows, including some wildlife pictures.

http://www.fantasyart.ukartists.com/

Larry Elmore 1 2
Luis Royo 1 2 3 4
Barclay Shaw 1 2 3
Alan Rabinowitz 1 2
Boris Vallego 1 2 3
Julie Bell 1 2
Jim Burns/Jim Warren
Jeffrey Wilkie
Magical Art
Michael Bridges 1 2
Vincent Segrelles/Wojtek Siudmak
Keith Parkinson
Kelly McLarnon
Hajime Sorayama
Caldwell-Sweet-Nemo
Mullins
Dixon-Attila
Maitz
Josephine Wall
Jean-Paul Avisse/Jonathon Bowser

:::
:::

PICCLICK.CO.UK IMAGE SEARCH UPDATES

http://picclick.co.uk/?q=Stephen+Gayford
http://picclick.com/?q=Stephen+Gayford

PICCLICK helps with print titles...

The picclick.co.uk website is just one domain
as there are the other countries and their domains
as well as the dot com domain. If we visit the
dot com domain for our searches for Ebay items,
we could get too many search results for the
Stephen Gayford pictures. Even so, the co.uk site
offers us a wide selection. From the search results,
we can see many of the images are identified by
the image titles, rather than as Ebay does with
various sizes including the larger image sizes, too.

Check image Properties...

From the piclick webpage for the search results,
right-click the first image and see the Properties
details eg 3 clicks to highlight the full image
Address Bar URL. From this example I got this:

http://thumbs3.picclick.com/d/l400/pict/361732444430_/A-future-King-Limited-Edition-Mounted-Framed.jpg

Check for l for large images:

That's for the l for large 400 pixel size. We can edit
that to l1600 for the much larger 1600 pixel image.
We see the painting's name much easier that way,
should the larger image actually exist.

http://thumbs3.picclick.com/d/l1600/pict/361732444430_/A-future-King-Limited-Edition-Mounted-Framed.jpg

361732444430 represents the Ebay item number.

http://thumbs3.picclick.com/d/w400/pict/361732444430_/A-future-King-Limited-Edition-Mounted-Framed.jpg

(That's a soft focus image not as detailed as the
l for large l400 image is... or like the l1600 image.)

More Ebay results...

Refining the search results... we get more items
if we select the top left ADD + description link...

Change the results with the left-hand side option
of Show ALL... when that loads, switch the option
next to it to items Ending Soon...

Loading more images...

Wait a while for that to start then scroll down the
web page... The little dots animation means more
images are going to be loaded... so finally all the
images get loaded to the end of the web page...

Larger image web page displays...

Knowing that there's a way to create a web page
with the l1600 images instead of the l400 images
means that we can use the HTML Validator Lite
 free PC program for its search and replace
eg from l400 to l1600 instead. Then we save that
version and open and display it with its larger
new image sizes. Then we save as a complete
web page with the detailed l1600 images...

http://www.htmlvalidator.com/

Whether it's thumbs or thumbs2 or thumbs3 as part
of the image URL, check results for the l1600 images.

In this test, I got the new web page to display l1600
images instead and some are truly full size and
greatly detailed, too.

Ebay auction item numbers and images...

Another example of what picclick does is to use the
above thumbs image URL Ebay item number:

http://thumbs3.picclick.com/d/l1600/pict/361732444430.jpg

It lacks a picture's name, but makes a shorter URL.

Zoom In and Out options...

The tiny + symbol appearing on the picture lets
us magnify images! The tiny - symbol lets us
switch back to the smaller view.

http://thumbs.picclick.com/d/l1600/pict/

That's the start of the item image shortcut here:

http://tinyurl.com/1600e

We add / then the Ebay item number and .jpg
http://tinyurl.com/1600e/12345678.jpg

Or as above: http://tinyurl.com/1600e/361732444430.jpg

This is because the tinyurl URL shortcut can be
added to with what follows the full URL for that
pict/ directory...

So it works just as well with this ebay alternative:

http://tinyurl.com/1600e plus / then its number.jpg
http://tinyurl.com/1600e/361732444430.jpg

Now we can see the original frame more clearly.

EDITING IMAGES!

A further development uses an online photo editor:

http://www.picmonkey.com

Click Edit, open a saved l1600 image then edit,
to straighten, crop and sharpen image clarity,
colour saturation and Museum Matte frame for it.
The resize option helped when I chose the greatest
picture quality for it to work at its best.

Picmonkey proved as useful as freebie photo editor
PC programs. So save edited images for reference!


Denis Martindale September 2016.

THE EYE OF THE TIGER!

Two tiger paintings that I bought
Arrived one sunny day,
So by excitement I was caught,
Unpacking straight away...
And when the prints were side by side
Upon the wall to see,
I smiled at them, as if with pride,
For they belonged to me...

The Bengal Tiger stared ahead,
Brown eyes beneath each frown,
Striped tapestry of black and red,
Deserving of a crown...
The other tiger, black and white,
With wondrous eyes of blue,
More welcoming, so not a fright,
No harm to me or you...

I know that's silly, how that seems,
But now I'm such a fan,
Despite the obvious extremes,
I buy prints when I can...
White tigers are quite beautiful,
The cuddly cubs look sweet,
That's why their prints are on my wall,
Each one my special treat!


Denis Martindale September 2016.


Poem based on the magnificent wildlife paintings
by Stephen Gayford. Google-search phrases
gayford prints and Stephen Gayford poetry.

Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/the-eye-of-the-tiger/

Shortcut:

http://tinyurl.com/the-eye-of-the-tiger

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/the-eye-of-the-tiger/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2016/09/the-eye-of-the-tiger.html

:::
:::

A LEGION OF LIONS!

The artist sketches some lions,
Gets better time by time,
Shows their stern growls of defiance,
Their strength when in their prime...
The lion cubs at rest, at play,
The lionesses, too,
The lion hunts in search of prey,
Not seen in any zoo...

Imagine lions young and old,
Their journeys to survive,
Each has a tale that must unfold,
While each can stay alive...
The artist sketching peacefully,
Till painting later on,
That masterpiece for all to see,
When lions' lives are gone...

The artist captures scenes of grace,
Tranquillity and calm,
Sometimes with close-ups of a face,
Perhaps with winsome charm...
Majestic, regal poses shown,
The like none can ignore,
So lions can be better known
Both now and ever more...

Denis Martindale September 2016.


Poem based on the magnificent wildlife paintings by Stephen Gayford. Google-search phrases gayford prints and Stephen Gayford poetry.

Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/a-legion-of-lions/

Shortcut:

http://tinyurl.com/a-legion-of-lions

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/a-legion-of-lions/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2016/09/a-legion-of-lions.html

:::
:::

THE DASHING YOUNG DOLPHIN!

My word, this dolphin's very fast!
He zips along at speed!
He's been that way from first to last,
Determined to succeed...
I bet he'd win a race or two,
I've got no doubt of that
And even somersaults he'll do,
When each time he flips flat...

As long as I still feed him fish,
He swims till he's up close,
It's like he knows my every wish
And his affection grows...
I've taught him tricks like throw the ball
And backward gliding by,
When he jumps, it's a miracle
That he can rise so high!

One day, I knew he was impressed,
I did a handstand there!
He stared at me like I was blessed
And quite beyond compare...
As if to say, 'I can't do that!
But, blimey, if I could,
I'd make a dash and scarper, scat!
Then leave this neighbourhood!'


Denis Martindale September 2016.


Poem based on two magnificent Stephen Gayford
wildlife paintings, Tranquillity and Serenity...
Google-search phrases for dolphin paintings,
gayford prints and Stephen Gayford poetry.

Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/the-dashing-young-dolphin/

Shortcut:

http://tinyurl.com/the-dashing-young-dolphin

The poemhunter.com dolphin image came from

http://www.unsplash.com

http://img.poemhunter.com/i/poem_image/42/46951742_poem_75.jpg

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/the-dashing-young-dolphin/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2016/09/dashing-young-dolphin.html

:::
:::

LURKING LOBO!

The lurking Lobo wolf stood there,
Impatiently again,
For hunger drove him to despair,
As it did now and then...
And to survive another day,
Perhaps another week,
He hoped his next meal came his way,
Or things, for him, looked bleak...

The Lobo wolf leaned out next to
The tall tree by his side,
To salivate as dogs would do,
With their mouths, open wide...
As if some new scent drifted close,
Of his meal on the move,
To tempt his now delighted nose,
With sighs it would approve...

The Lobo wolf then licked his lips
As his prey ran in sight,
Poor thing, not sensing how life slips,
As that wolf planned its plight...
So one life lives as one life dies,
As Nature plays its game,
I know that's not a great surprise,
But isn't it a shame?


Denis Martindale September 2016.


Poem based on the magnificent wildlife painting
by Stephen Gayford. Google-search phrases for
gayford prints and Stephen Gayford poetry.

Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/lurking-lobo/

Shortcut:

http://tinyurl.com/lurking-lobo

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/lurking-lobo/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2016/09/lurking-lobo.html

:::
:::

HOW MANY TIGERS?

How many tigers will exist
A hundred years from now?
How many tigers will persist
Surviving Man somehow?
For Man can be both good and bad,
The sinner or the saint,
Controlling everything he had,
All creatures bound or chained...

How many tigers will resist
The sabotage to be?
How many tigers will be missed
Throughout eternity?
For Man seeks trophies now and then,
From both the weak and strong,
Sometimes he hunts to eat again,
Sometimes it's just plain wrong...

How many tigers will enlist
The wise ones who've campaigned?
How many tigers will insist
That their rights are maintained?
For Man seems prone to let things die,
From great to small alike,
That's all it takes, stand idly by,
Then let extinction strike...


Denis Martindale September 2016.


Poem based on the magnificent Stephen Gayford
wildlife paintings promoting wildlife conservation.
Google-search phrases for such news articles,
gayford prints and Stephen Gayford poetry.

Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/how-many-tigers/

Shortcut:

http://tinyurl.com/how-many-tigers

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/how-many-tigers/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2016/09/how-many-tigers.html

:::
:::

EXQUISITE FELINE GRACE

Black panther creature, slim and sleek,
As slinky, silky lace,
You move with style, as if unique,
As if with feline grace...
You saunter left, you saunter right,
You glide from place to place,
As if presenting pure delight,
To mesmerise and daze...

And when I saw you that first time,
I stared upon your face,
Because your beauty was sublime,
To me, as one that stays...
What other creature caught my eyes,
So my attention strays?
And yet, you took me by surprise,
My tender heart to praise...

To be firm friends with such as you,
Your friendship to embrace,
I'd show compassion through and through,
For kindness always pays...
I'd prove to you, of all you've known,
Of us, the Human Race,
This man's respect stands out alone,
In, oh, so many ways...


Denis Martindale September 2016.


Poem based on the magnificent Stephen Gayford
wildlife painting Feline Grace. Google-search
phrases gayford prints & Stephen Gayford poetry.

Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/exquisite-feline-grace/

Shortcut:

http://tinyurl.com/exquisite-feline-grace

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/exquisite-feline-grace/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2016/09/exquisite-feline-grace.html

:::
:::

THANKS TO ALL THOSE EBAY SELLERS!

This is just to say thanks to all those
Ebay sellers out there who create online
auctions and buy now prices for so many
Stephen Gayford wildlife prints and
other items, too. I have bought a few
of the prints and canvas prints, as well
as some Christmas Greeting cards, so I
know just how much care and consideration
goes into the packing and posting of these
bulky, yet fragile pictures. I am also
thankful for every single close-up photo
of the front and back of the prints, too.
Several of the Ebay sellers were ready,
willing and able to respond to my queries.
Some even accepted the best offers I made.
I can set the display for showing up to
200 pictures of these auctions at a time.
I can then save as a complete web page
to act as a quick reference when offline.
Every now and then, Ebay sends me an email
which offers me a 20% off an auction price.
Maybe one day I'll be extra tempted to buy a
really large canvas print. You never know!


Denis Martindale August 2016.

:::
:::

CLOUDED LEOPARD

The Clouded Leopard had a face
That made me stop and stare,
Distinctive markings made me gaze,
In wonder, standing there...
The kind a painter wants to paint
And seek to do that right,
Yet not as if it looks so quaint,
But that it's quite a sight...

Close-up, the details are precise,
With contrasts plainly seen,
Its forward glance, its strong-willed eyes,
Demeanour stilled, serene...
A perfect subject to portray,
Exquisite and sublime,
No wonder that I spent the day
And thought it worth my time...

To think, such creatures great and small
Impress us now and then,
Recalling every miracle,
The captured moment when...
The second we stand motionless,
Observing while we can,
Contended that such creatures bless
The tender heart of Man...


Denis Martindale August 2016.


A poem based on the magnificent wildlife paintings
by Stephen Gayford. Google-search phrases
gayford prints and 'Stephen Gayford poetry'.

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TIGER CUB

At first, the tiger cub was small,
Almost a bag of bones,
When he could hardly stand at all,
As weak as one that groans...
The tigress was amazed, of course,
She had much higher hopes,
But patience proves the strongest force
So that each young one copes...

So she was there, right by his side,
To nudge him now and then,
As he looked up, eyes opened wide
To see her love again...
She was his rock, his steadfast friend,
Not judging like the rest,
The kind whose love is without end,
To make sure he felt blessed...

And that was how her love remained,
No matter, night or day,
So that both faith and strength he gained
To guide him on his way...
So once the years had rolled on by,
One day, he chose to roam,
When Nature gave no reason why
He had to stay at home...


Denis Martindale August 2016.


A poem based on the magnificent wildlife paintings
by Stephen Gayford. Google-search phrases
gayford prints and 'Stephen Gayford poetry'.

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THE OLD WARRIOR

As ancient as his old bones felt,
The lion stood his ground
And though their king, not one had knelt,
Nor by such signs were bound...
He was their sovereign, master, lord,
He had the upper hand
And that was why he stood assured,
The ruler of this land...

As long as might was on his side
And courage in his heart
And still protector of the pride,
He stayed and played the part...
For Nature gave him all he owned,
Permitted him this day,
As if presenting him enthroned,
The king they must obey...

Dissenters stood both left and right,
The groaners, wounded still,
Because he fought with all his might,
As if it were God's will...
But God would choose another king,
This week, this month, this year
And for the taking, everything,
This lion held most dear...


Denis Martindale August 2016.


A poem based on the magnificent wildlife paintings
by Stephen Gayford. Google-search phrases
gayford prints and 'Stephen Gayford poetry'.

:::
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THE OLD TUSKER!

Some elephants are really old,
With tusks that stretch so long
And so they're not just brave and bold,
But really, really strong!
So give respect to elephants,
They've got a lot to bear,
Up close, I've only seen them once,
In Regents Park, somewhere...

I'd go boss-eyed with tusks like those
That dangled long and low,
I've got no trunk, I've just a nose,
Much easier to blow...
Imagine if you stood as tall,
With tusks that weighed a ton,
I know I'd need a miracle
To stand, then walk, then run!

Look at their ears, my word, they're grand,
Like dustbin lids, my friends,
So try at least to understand
When you meet elephants!
Just think of those in Africa
And India as well,
It doesn't matter, near or far,
Each has a tale to tell...


Denis Martindale, copyright August 2016.


A poem based on a magnificent wildlife painting
by Stephen Gayford. Google-search phrases
gayford prints and 'Stephen Gayford poetry'.

:::
:::

UNDER KILIMANJARO

How earnest are the lives of those
God chose to locate there,
Such that, of course, one would suppose,
The cold was hard to bear...
Yet lives are lived and lives are lost,
By both the great and small,
Such that each learns the measured cost
Of God's great miracle...

The mountain merely spans the land,
Without a single thought
And yet, nearby, each hunter's planned
For prey that must be caught...
Life holds for such no guarantee,
No warranty to save,
It's do or die, that's plain to see,
Stay cowardly or brave...

A thousand years can come and go,
Some creatures may remain,
The rest extinct, no more to know,
No second chance to gain...
Yet if Man cares and really tries,
Some species may live on,
If not, who knows each one that dies?
How long till each has gone?


Denis Martindale August 2016.


A poem based on the magnificent wildlife paintings
by Stephen Gayford. Google-search phrases
gayford prints and 'Stephen Gayford poetry'.

:::
:::

DON'T DISMISS YOUR DESTINY!

If there, within your human heart,
A godly light can shine,
A spark called faith can truly start
And prove itself benign,
Such that the Scriptures God provides
Become the pathways home,
A treasure map that daily guides,
So there's no need to roam...
And faith can grow and doubt can die
And time preserves the best,
Like gold refined, till by and by,
Its purity gets blessed...
And stars that shine won't seem as bright
As your light there within,
Each time you think, or paint or write,
Or good work you begin...

Success or failure, come what may,
Some lessons must be learned,
Until there comes one fateful day
When success has been earned...
By then you'll know, praise God and smile
At just how far you've come,
Despite the fact it took a while,
Sometimes much more than some...
Yet you got there, yes, you arrived,
So none can doubt your strength,
It wasn't just that you survived,
Or you got there at length...
Nor was it that God slowed you down
Till you moved at a crawl,
Till finally you lost that frown
And gained your miracle...

Your destiny gets played out slow,
Impatience changes nought,
It isn't just the things you know,
Or some insight or thought,
It isn't just the light, my friend,
It's God's love just for you,
Without this, you can't comprehend,
Without this, you've no clue...
Let destiny unfold and bless,
Let destiny prevail,
Let destiny grant you success,
Or else you're bound to fail...
Humanity, humility,
Both serve this purpose well,
Will you achieve your destiny!?
Friend, only time will tell...


Denis Martindale August 2016.


A poem based on the magnificent wildlife paintings
by Stephen Gayford. Google-search phrases
gayford prints and 'Stephen Gayford poetry'.

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:::

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