YOUNG LION

No more the fragile cub he was,
He's more the lion now,
For Nature has got plans because
He must survive somehow...
That's why his mane surrounds his face,
That's why his teeth grow strong,
That's why his claws can thus embrace
His status all day long...

No more that cub that used to play,
He's tall enough to stand,
Then fight his foes, keep them at bay,
Make sure that they stay banned...
The other lions watch him grow,
His body take on change,
He shares the fury that they know,
They see his eyes look strange...

One day, he may, rule like a king,
With battle stars as proof,
The victor over everything,
To walk as if aloof...
To challenge him would not be wise,
Should he take charge that time,
As fellow lions realise
This one has reached his prime...


Denis Martindale October 2017.


A poem based on the magnificent Stephen Gayford
wildlife sketch, Young Lion. Google search phrases
gayford prints and Stephen Gayford poetry
and also for Heaven and Earth Designs...


Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/young-lion/

Shortcut:

http://tinyurl.com/young-lion-poem

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

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

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2017/10/young-lion.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/

:::
:::

SLEEPY HEADS!

The lion cubs were quite fatigued
And lay there in a lump,
As if they yawned and all agreed
It's time to take a slump!
So slump they did, like sleepy heads,
Deep breaths, prepared to doze,
Upon the ground, for they'd no beds,
No blankets for their toes!

My word, they were a lazy lot,
All huddled in a heap,
But then again, it was quite hot
Enough to make them sleep...
So off they drifted one-by-one...
To nod off without care,
Beneath that constant golden sun,
That some folks just can't bare...

In time, these lion cubs must awake
From all that rest they've had,
And when they do, for goodness sake,
They'll drive their parents mad!
That's why their parents let them be,
No roars from Dads at all...
For peace at last brings harmony,
God's greatest miracle!


Denis Martindale October 2017.


A 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/sleepy-heads-3/

Shortcut:

http://tinyurl.com/sleepy-heads-poem

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

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

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2017/10/sleepy-heads.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/

:::
:::

KING AND QUEEN!

The lion and the lioness
Were restful and serene
And savouring how life can bless
Each one as king and queen...
Such that, adorned in glowing gold,
Their love came shining through,
As if their partnership took hold
In all that they would do...

Thus neither needed to display
Their status at that time,
As both embraced life, come what may,
While they were in their prime...
For now, they ruled, that fact was plain,
Though others sought a throne,
The land was theirs, their sole domain,
God's gift for them to own...

Yet God can give and God can take,
Of that there was no doubt,
They must protect what stood at stake,
With rivals still about...
Yet they, together, set the stage,
How royals should behave,
When not locked up inside a cage,
No longer strong and brave...


Denis Martindale May 2017.


A 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/king-and-queen-4/

Shortcut:

http://tinyurl.com/king-and-queen-poem

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/king-and-queen-4/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2017/05/king-and-queen.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/

:::
:::

SERENGETI EVENING, TOO

Towards the end of one more day
The lion lays in wait,
As brilliant sunshine melts away,
God's night to recreate...
With eyes now quite accustomed to
The twilight that he sees,
Aware there's nothing he can do,
He lays there full of peace...

The distant creatures greet the night,
For some, no peace at all,
Eyes open, keeping things in sight,
As darkness comes to call...
For not all live to greet the dawn,
Another day to live,
That's why some greet the night with scorn
And all that comes therewith...

I chose to stay, take pictures still,
Of lions' silver eyes
And yet not for some morbid thrill
As some poor creature dies...
But just to take the story in,
Reflecting now and then,
When safe at home, with kith and kin,
Relaxing once again...


Denis Martindale April 2017.


A 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/serengeti-evening-too/

Shortcut:

http://tinyurl.com/serengeti-evening-too

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

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

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2017/04/serengeti-evening-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/

:::
:::

LION HEARTED!

Some say a lion's heart grows strong,
Like destiny or fate,
As if a lion does no wrong,
To live with love, not hate,
Yet in the real world, truths can't change,
They always stay the same,
Statistics Man can rearrange
And sometimes without shame...

Yet lions live their lives their way,
To this, they're reconciled,
So many won't be tamed today,
Once born free, they stay wild...
Perhaps that's why they're still revered
And held in high esteem,
Not just because each lion's feared
For being quite extreme...

Each has a royal presence there,
With matching strength in tow,
That's why the others have a care
And watch him come and go...
Stay low, don't move, don't interfere,
Don't let him see your face!
Will he chase you if he gets near?
Yes! Yes! All over the place!


Denis Martindale April 2017.


A 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/lion-hearted/

Shortcut:

http://tinyurl.com/lion-hearted

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/lion-hearted/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2017/04/lion-hearted.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/

:::
:::

LOGAN THE LION!

There was a little lion who
Was still without a name!
He wanted one! Who wouldn't do?
His parents were to blame...
Rejecting this, rejecting that,
With no decision yet,
While people named their dog or cat
So they don't get upset...

So little lion tried to find
A guy's name on his own,
A name that somehow he thought kind
By which he could be known...
So in the distance, hid by grass,
He watched some children play,
To hear their names as each would pass,
Till he heard someone pray...

A passing pilgrim boy began,
'Dear God, it's me again!
I know that You've still got a plan,
That helps me now and then...
Why Logan, Lord, not Timothy,
Or Philip, Frank or Fred?
If I'd one wish, then it would be
Another name instead!'

And yet the lion disagreed,
'I like his name the best,
In fact, that's just the name I need
And how I'll be addressed!'
His parents smiled, no longer sad,
When he chose to proclaim,
The day he told his Mum and Dad,
'I'm Logan! That's MY name!'


Denis Martindale April 2017.


A poem based on the magnificent little lion cub
Stephen Gayford wildlife paintings. Google search
for phrases gayford prints and Stephen Gayford
poetry and also for Heaven and Earth Designs...

Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/logan-the-lion/

Shortcut:

http://tinyurl.com/logan-the-lion

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/logan-the-lion/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2017/04/logan-lion.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/

:::
:::

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 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'.

:::
:::

AFRICAN GOLD

From just a cub, the lion grew,
From strength to strength to rise,
Such that, if now, he looked at you,
The sight would mesmerise...
As long as he stays over there,
A distant golden thing,
I wonder, would you be aware,
That he's the lion king?

Behold his stature and profile,
Observe his face so stern,
As if his heart were full of guile,
With nothing left to learn...
Yet he's the only alpha male,
Commanding fear from all,
He truly has a tale to tell,
For he's a miracle...

He serves the cause of Nature best
When he preserves his line,
That lion heart within his breast
Bears gold that's meant to shine...
For courage rules and courage takes,
His kingdom's quite sublime,
Yet starts anew, each dawn he wakes...
To fight another time...


Denis Martindale, copyright July 2016.


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

Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/african-gold-2/

Shortcut:
http://tinyurl.com/african-gold-poem


Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/african-gold-2/


http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2016/07/african-gold.html

:::
:::

LION PROFILE

My word, that lion looks the part!
His profile looks sublime!
As if he's got a noble heart,
As if he's in his prime...
As if he's learnt a thing or two,
The master of his fate,
As if he knows just what to do,
His legend to create!

My word, that lion looks a king,
He glides from place to place,
That royal walk proves everything,
Regard that poise and grace...
And yet he moves at lightning speed,
He fights and wins with style,
The lesser lions can't succeed,
No wonder they don't smile...

My word, I'm glad I'm over here
And that he's over there!
Why wander close then shake with fear?
I know I wouldn't dare!
My camera lens gets close enough,
My photos must suffice...
Because that lion's way too tough
And I am way too nice...


Denis Martindale, copyright March 2016.


A poem based on a magnificent wildlife painting,
by artist Stephen Gayford. Google-search
gayfordgallery and 'Stephen Gayford poetry'.

Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/lion-profile/

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/lion-profile

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/lion-profile/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2016/03/lion-profile.html

:::
:::

STEALTHY...

How cautiously he steps along,
That lion cub's so cute,
Yet pretty soon, he'll grow up strong
And then he'll be a brute!
Today he's simply on the prowl,
All stealthy and quite slow,
Another cub to bite, then growl,
His evil eyes aglow...

Although his little game's quite new,
To him, it's glorious,
The other cub's without a clue,
While he's victorious!
So bragging rights are his this day,
I caught you! Yes, indeed!
His younger brother was his prey,
The slower to succeed...

But that cub, too, will play the game,
Revenge still on his mind,
His elder brother's tail to claim,
Some tender part to find!
So long to childlike harmony!
So long to meek and mild!
The stealthy game has proved the key
To turn those lions wild...


Denis Martindale, copyright November 2015.


Poem based on a magnificent wildlife painting,
by artist Stephen Gayford. Google-search
gayfordgallery and 'Stephen Gayford poetry'.


https://www.google.co.uk/#q=Stephen+Gayford+poetry

Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/stealthy-2/

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

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/stealthy-2/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2015/11/stealthy.html


My Poetry website: http://www.denismartindale.supanet.com/poems.html
My Poemhunter poems can be searched here: http://tinyurl.com/dmpoems

My Stephen Gayford tribute poems are here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/stephen-gayford/
http://poemhunter.com/poem/the-prince-of-prints-2/
http://poemhunter.com/poem/a-brush-with-genius/
http://poemhunter.com/poem/gayford-gallery/

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

It was being updated in November 2015!

http://gayfordgallery.com/the-artist/

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

Click-a-pic!

http://gayfordgallery.com/original-paintings/

http://gayfordgallery.com/originalwatercolours/

http://gayfordgallery.com/originalpencildrawings/

http://gayfordgallery.com/signedlimitededitionartistproofs/

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
(that's for the A to Z title listings)

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites,
NB use zoom-in feature when viewing pictures.

http://search.ebay.co.uk/stephen-gayford
NB that's for basic displays of Ebay auctions,
but this display of 200 items helps even more:
http://tinyurl.com/stephen-gayford-on-ebay
Better title descriptions and item numbers!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://www.amazon.co.uk

http://www.preloved.co.uk

https://www.google.co.uk/#q=Stephen+Gayford

http://www.gumtree.com/for-sale/uk/stephen+gayford

(Notice camera link to each image to view.)

http://www.for-sale.co.uk/stephen-gayford

(Various website sales of Stephen Gayford prints.)

http://xxl-sale.co.uk/search/?q=Stephen+Gayford

(Notice similar items at the end of each webpage.)

http://www.bezoon.co.uk/stephen-gayford-prints

http://www.saleclick.co.uk/Stephen+Gayford+Prints

http://www.worthpoint.com/inventory/search?query=Stephen+Gayford&categoryurl=&search-right=

http://salemagic.co.uk/Stephen%20Gayford

http://uk.picclick.com/Art/Prints/Contemporary-1980-Now/Limited-Editions/?q=stephen+gayford

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/picclick-gayfords

http://www.living3000.co.uk/shop/search/?q=Stephen+Gayford+print

http://stuccu.co.uk/so/Stephen%2520Gayford

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


:::

TWO LION CUBS

Two lion cubs, as thick as thieves,
Stretching and sprawling there,
As to each other each one cleaves,
Content, without a care...
They knew, of course, that they were small,
No strengths as such to tell
And yet they felt no fear at all,
As if each day went well...

Their parents guarded near and far,
That's why the two cubs played,
Enjoying their own Shangri-La,
With neither one dismayed...
To gaze into each other's eyes,
To learn each other's moods,
The little roars, the little sighs,
The soothing interludes...

But most of all enjoying life,
The sunshine and the peace,
Because to these, there seemed no strife
To cause their joys to cease...
And so their first few weeks trailed by,
As gentle as could be,
With neither cub to question why
They felt such harmony...


Denis Martindale, copyright November 2015.


Poem based on a magnificent wildlife painting,
by artist Stephen Gayford. Google-search
gayfordgallery and 'Stephen Gayford poetry'.


https://www.google.co.uk/#q=Stephen+Gayford+poetry

Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/two-lion-cubs/

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/two-lion-cubs

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/two-lion-cubs/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2015/11/two-lion-cubs.html


My Poetry website: http://www.denismartindale.supanet.com/poems.html
My Poemhunter poems can be searched here: http://tinyurl.com/dmpoems

My Stephen Gayford tribute poems are here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/stephen-gayford/
http://poemhunter.com/poem/the-prince-of-prints-2/
http://poemhunter.com/poem/a-brush-with-genius/
http://poemhunter.com/poem/gayford-gallery/

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

It was being updated in November 2015!

http://gayfordgallery.com/the-artist/

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

Click-a-pic!

http://gayfordgallery.com/original-paintings/

http://gayfordgallery.com/originalwatercolours/

http://gayfordgallery.com/originalpencildrawings/

http://gayfordgallery.com/signedlimitededitionartistproofs/

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
(that's for the A to Z title listings)

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites,
NB use zoom-in feature when viewing pictures.

http://search.ebay.co.uk/stephen-gayford
NB that's for basic displays of Ebay auctions,
but this display of 200 items helps even more:
http://tinyurl.com/stephen-gayford-on-ebay
Better title descriptions and item numbers!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://www.amazon.co.uk

http://www.preloved.co.uk

https://www.google.co.uk/#q=Stephen+Gayford

http://www.gumtree.com/for-sale/uk/stephen+gayford

(Notice camera link to each image to view.)

http://www.for-sale.co.uk/stephen-gayford

(Various website sales of Stephen Gayford prints.)

http://xxl-sale.co.uk/search/?q=Stephen+Gayford

(Notice similar items at the end of each webpage.)

http://www.bezoon.co.uk/stephen-gayford-prints

http://www.saleclick.co.uk/Stephen+Gayford+Prints

http://www.worthpoint.com/inventory/search?query=Stephen+Gayford&categoryurl=&search-right=

http://salemagic.co.uk/Stephen%20Gayford

http://uk.picclick.com/Art/Prints/Contemporary-1980-Now/Limited-Editions/?q=stephen+gayford

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/picclick-gayfords

http://www.living3000.co.uk/shop/search/?q=Stephen+Gayford+print

http://stuccu.co.uk/so/Stephen%2520Gayford

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


:::

BARBARY LION

The lion stared at his domain,
The land he'd been scarred for,
Beyond this, what was there to gain?
He couldn't want for more...
As long as Man was out of sight,
He thought he ruled alone,
For only then did things seem right,
For this was all he'd known...

Yet Man had plans, that land to seize,
A new town must be built,
No more the grass, no more the trees
And all God's creatures killed...
The plans stretched out for miles, of course,
No place for lions there,
With profit margins to endorse,
To bless some billionaire...

So who can turn the tragic tide?
To some, it's just a game
And once the land's been crucified,
The bankers have no shame...
So many bribes to grease the hands,
While rich folks smile with glee,
So who's to blame, if no man stands
Opposing infamy?


Denis Martindale, copyright October 2015.


Poem based on a magnificent wildlife painting,
by artist Stephen Gayford. Google-search
gayfordgallery and 'Stephen Gayford poetry'.


https://www.google.co.uk/#q=Stephen+Gayford+poetry

Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/barbary-lion/

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/barbary-lion-poem

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/barbary-lion/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2015/10/barbary-lion.html


My Poetry website: http://www.denismartindale.supanet.com/poems.html
My Poemhunter poems can be searched here: http://tinyurl.com/dmpoems

My Stephen Gayford tribute poems are here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/stephen-gayford/
http://poemhunter.com/poem/the-prince-of-prints-2/
http://poemhunter.com/poem/a-brush-with-genius/
http://poemhunter.com/poem/gayford-gallery/

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

It was being updated in October 2015!

http://gayfordgallery.com/the-artist/

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

Click-a-pic!

http://gayfordgallery.com/original-paintings/

http://gayfordgallery.com/originalwatercolours/

http://gayfordgallery.com/originalpencildrawings/

http://gayfordgallery.com/signedlimitededitionartistproofs/

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
(that's for the A to Z title listings)

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites,
NB use zoom-in feature when viewing pictures.

http://search.ebay.co.uk/stephen-gayford
NB that's for basic displays of Ebay auctions,
but this display of 200 items helps even more:
http://tinyurl.com/stephen-gayford-on-ebay
Better title descriptions and item numbers!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://www.amazon.co.uk

http://www.preloved.co.uk

https://www.google.co.uk/#q=Stephen+Gayford

http://www.gumtree.com/for-sale/uk/stephen+gayford

(Notice camera link to each image to view.)

http://www.for-sale.co.uk/stephen-gayford

(Various website sales of Stephen Gayford prints.)

http://xxl-sale.co.uk/search/?q=Stephen+Gayford

(Notice similar items at the end of each webpage.)

http://www.bezoon.co.uk/stephen-gayford-prints

http://www.saleclick.co.uk/Stephen+Gayford+Prints

http://www.worthpoint.com/inventory/search?query=Stephen+Gayford&categoryurl=&search-right=

http://salemagic.co.uk/Stephen%20Gayford

http://uk.picclick.com/Art/Prints/Contemporary-1980-Now/Limited-Editions/?q=stephen+gayford

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/picclick-gayfords

http://www.living3000.co.uk/shop/search/?q=Stephen+Gayford+print

http://stuccu.co.uk/so/Stephen%2520Gayford

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


:::

BLACK LION!

Black lion, whence came thou to me,
That I might know thy might?
For what a sight thou art to see,
To stand as dark as night...
To glare and stare at underlings,
Not half as strong as thee,
As if thou art the King of Kings,
With utmost majesty!

And art thou Lord of thy domain,
The conqueror of all,
As if thou ever would remain
And God not bid thee fall?
Yea, time shall turn and slowly gain
The measure of thy soul,
To fashion scars and pass on pain
Beyond thy self-control...

While lion-hearted, mark this well,
Strength often brings remorse,
What seems like Heaven turns to Hell
When judgement takes its course...
Youth tarries long to cast its spell
That pride might yet deceive,
Yet Samson still has tales to tell
Of when strength's powers leave...


Denis Martindale, copyright August 2015.


Poem based on the magnificent wildlife paintings,
by artist Stephen Gayford nb Google-search
gayfordgallery and 'Stephen Gayford poetry'.


https://www.google.co.uk/#q=Stephen+Gayford+poetry

Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/black-lion/

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/black-lion-poem

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/black-lion/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2015/08/black-lion.html


My Poetry website: http://www.denismartindale.supanet.com/poems.html
My Poemhunter poems can be searched here: http://tinyurl.com/dmpoems

My Stephen Gayford tribute poems are here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/stephen-gayford/
http://poemhunter.com/poem/the-prince-of-prints-2/
http://poemhunter.com/poem/a-brush-with-genius/
http://poemhunter.com/poem/gayford-gallery/

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

It was being updated in August 2015!

http://gayfordgallery.com/the-artist/

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

Click-a-pic!

http://gayfordgallery.com/original-paintings/

http://gayfordgallery.com/originalwatercolours/

http://gayfordgallery.com/originalpencildrawings/

http://gayfordgallery.com/signedlimitededitionartistproofs/

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
(that's for the A to Z title listings)

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites,
NB use zoom-in feature when viewing pictures.

http://search.ebay.co.uk/stephen-gayford

http://www.amazon.co.uk

http://www.preloved.co.uk

https://www.google.co.uk/#q=Stephen+Gayford

http://www.gumtree.com/for-sale/uk/stephen+gayford

(Notice camera link to each image to view.)

http://www.for-sale.co.uk/stephen-gayford

(Various website sales of Stephen Gayford prints.)

http://xxl-sale.co.uk/search/?q=Stephen+Gayford+signed

(Notice similar items at the end of each webpage.)

http://www.bezoon.co.uk/stephen-gayford-prints

http://www.saleclick.co.uk/Stephen+Gayford+Prints

http://www.worthpoint.com/inventory/search?query=Stephen+Gayford&categoryurl=&search-right=

http://salemagic.co.uk/Stephen%20Gayford

http://uk.picclick.com/Art/Prints/Contemporary-1980-Now/Limited-Editions/?q=stephen+gayford

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/picclick-gayfords

http://www.living3000.co.uk/shop/search/?q=Stephen+Gayford+print

http://stuccu.co.uk/so/Stephen%2520Gayford

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


:::

SOON TO BE KING!

From cub to King the journey went
In this young lion's life,
Sometimes to seem like Heaven-sent,
Sometimes so full of strife...
Yet on he strove and persevered,
Come sunshine or come rain,
Despite the foes at first he feared
That sought his great domain...

No more that tiny cub that crawled,
No more that fought and lost,
For once his destiny had called,
He chose to pay the cost...
That lonesome lion paid the price
With blood and sweat and tears,
His very life to sacrifice
As months turned into years...

His body bore the scars that came,
His foes unmerciful,
Despite their hate, he bore the shame
And that's the miracle...
Uniting both the good and bad,
Uniting weak and strong,
Until at last each one felt glad,
Content just to belong...


Denis Martindale, copyright August 2015.


Poem based on a magnificent wildlife painting,
by artist Stephen Gayford nb Google-search
gayfordgallery and 'Stephen Gayford poetry'.


https://www.google.co.uk/#q=Stephen+Gayford+poetry

Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/soon-to-be-king/

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/soon-to-be-king

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/soon-to-be-king/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2015/08/soon-to-be-king.html


My Poetry website: http://www.denismartindale.supanet.com/poems.html
My Poemhunter poems can be searched here: http://tinyurl.com/dmpoems

My Stephen Gayford tribute poems are here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/stephen-gayford/
http://poemhunter.com/poem/the-prince-of-prints-2/
http://poemhunter.com/poem/a-brush-with-genius/
http://poemhunter.com/poem/gayford-gallery/

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

It was being updated in August 2015!

http://gayfordgallery.com/the-artist/

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

Click-a-pic!

http://gayfordgallery.com/original-paintings/

http://gayfordgallery.com/originalwatercolours/

http://gayfordgallery.com/originalpencildrawings/

http://gayfordgallery.com/signedlimitededitionartistproofs/

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
(that's for the A to Z title listings)

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites,
NB use zoom-in feature when viewing pictures.

http://search.ebay.co.uk/stephen-gayford

http://www.amazon.co.uk

http://www.preloved.co.uk

https://www.google.co.uk/#q=Stephen+Gayford

http://www.gumtree.com/for-sale/uk/stephen+gayford

(Notice camera link to each image to view.)

http://www.for-sale.co.uk/stephen-gayford

(Various website sales of Stephen Gayford prints.)

http://xxl-sale.co.uk/search/?q=Stephen+Gayford+signed

(Notice similar items at the end of each webpage.)

http://www.bezoon.co.uk/stephen-gayford-prints

http://www.saleclick.co.uk/Stephen+Gayford+Prints

http://www.worthpoint.com/inventory/search?query=Stephen+Gayford&categoryurl=&search-right=

http://salemagic.co.uk/Stephen%20Gayford

http://uk.picclick.com/Art/Prints/Contemporary-1980-Now/Limited-Editions/?q=stephen+gayford

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/picclick-gayfords

http://www.living3000.co.uk/shop/search/?q=Stephen+Gayford+print

http://stuccu.co.uk/so/Stephen%2520Gayford

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


:::

BY THE WATER HOLE

Two lion cubs were peaceful there,
When by the water hole,
As if life held for them no care,
No torment of the soul...
As tranquil as the water's flow,
As gentle as could be,
Yet all the while they didn't know
They were delaying me...

I longed to swim stretched out all wet,
Cooled down from Summer's heat,
But here's the closest I could get
Before we're bound to meet...
And so I waited, hid from sight,
With silent sighs and stares,
To wait my turn and stay polite
And seeking God through prayers...

And soon the cubs slinked off at last,
With parents close behind,
So that my waiting time had past
And God was oh so kind...
I swam and swam and swam and swam,
Enjoying all God gave,
Content to be the way I am,
A patient soul... not brave...


Denis Martindale, copyright, March 2015.


Poem based on a magnificent wildlife painting,
by artist Stephen Gayford nb Google-search
gayfordgallery and "Stephen Gayford poetry".

https://www.google.co.uk/#q=Stephen+Gayford+poetry

Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/by-the-water-hole/

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

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/by-the-water-hole/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2015/03/by-water-hole.html

******************************
Also see the earlier version of this painting poem:

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/05/by-waterhole.html

******************************

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

My Stephen Gayford tribute poems are here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/stephen-gayford/
http://poemhunter.com/poem/the-prince-of-prints-2/
http://poemhunter.com/poem/a-brush-with-genius/
http://poemhunter.com/poem/gayford-gallery/

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

It was being updated in March 2015!

http://gayfordgallery.com/the-artist/

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

Click-a-pic!

http://gayfordgallery.com/original-paintings/

http://gayfordgallery.com/originalwatercolours/

http://gayfordgallery.com/originalpencildrawings/

http://gayfordgallery.com/signedlimitededitionartistproofs/

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
(that's for the A to Z title listings)

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites,
NB use zoom-in feature when viewing pictures.

http://search.ebay.co.uk/stephen-gayford
http://www.amazon.co.uk
http://www.preloved.co.uk
https://www.google.co.uk/#q=Stephen+Gayford
http://www.gumtree.com/for-sale/uk/stephen+gayford
(Notice camera link to each image to view.)

http://www.for-sale.co.uk/stephen-gayford
(Various website sales of Stephen Gayford prints.)

http://xxl-sale.co.uk/search/?q=Stephen+Gayford+signed
(Notice similar items at the end of each webpage.)

:::

SIMBA!

The lion was named as Simba,
The winner of each brawl,
Yet the reason was much simpler,
His legend's known to all...
Portraying all a lion was
And all God meant to be,
Magnificent and all because
He ruled with majesty...

He didn't merely walk, he strode,
He moved with style and grace,
As if to serve some higher code,
Content all foes to face...
And few would dare to contradict
His power and his guile,
He was the lion king God picked
And for a long, long while...

The other lions understood,
They knew their place, of course,
They knew he ruled the neighbourhood
And thus obeyed his laws...
No friends had he, not even one
And yet he didn't care,
For at each meal that had begun,
He had the lion's share...


Denis Martindale, copyright, November 2014.


The poem is based on the magnificent wildlife
painting by Stephen Gayford nb Google search:

gayfordgallery

Find more wildlife poems using Google search
for the search phrase Stephen Gayford poetry.

https://www.google.co.uk/#q=Stephen+Gayford+poetry

Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/simba-2/

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

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/simba-2/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2014/11/simba.html

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

My Stephen Gayford tribute poems are here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/stephen-gayford/
http://poemhunter.com/poem/the-prince-of-prints-2/
http://poemhunter.com/poem/a-brush-with-genius/
http://poemhunter.com/poem/gayford-gallery/

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

It was being updated in November 2014!

http://gayfordgallery.com/the-artist/

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

Click-a-pic!

http://gayfordgallery.com/original-paintings/

http://gayfordgallery.com/originalwatercolours/

http://gayfordgallery.com/originalpencildrawings/

http://gayfordgallery.com/signedlimitededitionartistproofs/

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
(that's for the A to Z title listings)

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites,
NB use zoom-in feature when viewing pictures.

http://search.ebay.co.uk/stephen-gayford
http://www.amazon.co.uk
http://www.preloved.co.uk
https://www.google.co.uk/#q=Stephen+Gayford

http://www.baato.co.uk/stephen%20gayford
(Various website sales of Stephen Gayford prints.)


:::

LIONESS

The lioness first saw her mate
And sensed her future set,
It was as if a call from Fate,
The call she hoped to get...
She played it cool, like big cats do,
Pretended not to care,
Yet making sure she stayed in view,
So that he'd stay aware...

The lion didn't have one thought
Including her that day,
But his attention soon was caught
And she helped this to stay...
Her lion cubs were proof of this
As Nature took its course,
Now he is hers and she is his,
As friendship each explores...

Such is the way that lions find
The meaning of their years,
Until, they, too, leave life behind,
As old age slowly nears...
The lioness could see God's plan
And yet not praise His name,
Just like some children born of Man
Who sometimes act the same...


Denis Martindale, copyright, October 2014.


The poem is based on the magnificent wildlife
painting by Stephen Gayford nb Google search:

gayfordgallery

Find more wildlife poems using Google search
for the search phrase Stephen Gayford poetry.

https://www.google.co.uk/#q=Stephen+Gayford+poetry

Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/lioness-10/

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

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/lioness-10/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2014/10/lioness.html

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

My Stephen Gayford tribute poems are here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/stephen-gayford/
http://poemhunter.com/poem/the-prince-of-prints-2/
http://poemhunter.com/poem/a-brush-with-genius/
http://poemhunter.com/poem/gayford-gallery/

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

It was being updated in October 2014!

http://gayfordgallery.com/the-artist/

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

Click-a-pic!

http://gayfordgallery.com/original-paintings/

http://gayfordgallery.com/originalwatercolours/

http://gayfordgallery.com/originalpencildrawings/

http://gayfordgallery.com/signedlimitededitionartistproofs/

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
(that's for the A to Z title listings)

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites,
NB use zoom-in feature when viewing pictures.

http://search.ebay.co.uk/stephen-gayford
http://www.amazon.co.uk
http://www.preloved.co.uk
https://www.google.co.uk/#q=Stephen+Gayford

http://www.baato.co.uk/stephen%20gayford
(Various website sales of Stephen Gayford prints.)


:::

CAUGHT BY THE LIGHT!

The lioness was deep in thought,
The shade clouds minds that way,
Until she by the light was caught,
Then wisdom came to stay...
And hunting skills are quick to snatch
The instincts still inside,
Such that one's prey one's meant to catch,
Or else it's time to hide...

When sunshine grants more details seen,
The prey sees just as well,
With just the gap that's in-between
To halt things for a spell...
That's why she seldom hunts alone,
It's just a numbers game,
The oldest game that she has known,
Survival without shame...

How else could she raise cubs for years?
Though judge her if you will,
Yet those who work and have careers
Are those that seldom kill...
Their supermarket's there in town,
With meat that waits in-store,
While lions simply hunt prey down
And kill by tooth and claw...


Denis Martindale, copyright, October 2014.


The poem is based on the magnificent wildlife
painting by Stephen Gayford nb Google search:

gayfordgallery

Find more wildlife poems using Google search
for the search phrase Stephen Gayford poetry.

https://www.google.co.uk/#q=Stephen+Gayford+poetry

Poem shared here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/caught-by-the-light/

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/caught-by-the-light

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/caught-by-the-light/

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2014/10/caught-by-light.html

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

My Stephen Gayford tribute poems are here:

http://poemhunter.com/poem/stephen-gayford/
http://poemhunter.com/poem/the-prince-of-prints-2/
http://poemhunter.com/poem/a-brush-with-genius/
http://poemhunter.com/poem/gayford-gallery/

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

It was being updated in October 2014!

http://gayfordgallery.com/the-artist/

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

Click-a-pic!

http://gayfordgallery.com/original-paintings/

http://gayfordgallery.com/originalwatercolours/

http://gayfordgallery.com/originalpencildrawings/

http://gayfordgallery.com/signedlimitededitionartistproofs/

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
(that's for the A to Z title listings)

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites,
NB use zoom-in feature when viewing pictures.

http://search.ebay.co.uk/stephen-gayford
http://www.amazon.co.uk
http://www.preloved.co.uk
https://www.google.co.uk/#q=Stephen+Gayford

http://www.baato.co.uk/stephen%20gayford
(Various website sales of Stephen Gayford prints.)


:::

LIONS OF THE SERENGETI

Despite the lions having strength,
They, too, must rest a while,
Just lion down, they stretch full length,
Abandoning all style...
Purrhaps with mouths now open wide,
Before the snoozing time,
No longer standing full of pride,
No longer quite sublime...

Regardless of the things they've done
In order to survive,
For now, defeated by the sun,
They lose all sense of drive...
The energy just oozes out,
The vigour disappears
And suddenly, without a doubt,
Each one sure feels his years...

Yet I'm the same! My eyes just stare,
My eyelids droop then stay,
Blind as a bat, yet I don't care,
I'm almost on my way...
My head falls flat on my keyboard,
It's QWERTY time once more!
This time, sleep mustn't be ignored,
Forgive me, if I snore!


Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2014.


The poem is based on the magnificent painting by
Stephen Gayford, nb Google search gayfordgallery.

Find more wildlife poems using Google search
for the search phrase Stephen Gayford poetry.

https://www.google.co.uk/#q=Stephen+Gayford+poetry

Poem shared here:

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/lions-of-the-serengeti/

Printer-friendly text version, nb increase text size:

http://www.poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/lions-of-the-serengeti/

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/lions-of-the-serengeti

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2014/08/lions-of-serengeti.html

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

My Stephen Gayford tribute poems are here:

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/stephen-gayford/
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-prince-of-prints-2/
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-brush-with-genius/
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/gayford-gallery/

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

It was being updated in August 2014!

http://gayfordgallery.com/the-artist/

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

Click-a-pic!

http://gayfordgallery.com/original-paintings/

http://gayfordgallery.com/originalwatercolours/

http://gayfordgallery.com/originalpencildrawings/

http://gayfordgallery.com/signedlimitededitionartistproofs/

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
(that's for the A to Z title listings)

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites,
NB use zoom-in feature when viewing pictures.

http://search.ebay.co.uk/stephen-gayford
http://www.amazon.co.uk
http://www.preloved.co.uk
https://www.google.co.uk/#q=Stephen+Gayford

http://www.baato.co.uk/stephen%20gayford
(Various website sales of Stephen Gayford prints.)


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