SILENT WITNESS

The leopard lounged, content to be
A silent witness there,
While way up high upon the tree
To look, to gaze, to stare...
To contemplate, to muse a while,
Beyond the worldly scene,
To be amazed or gently smile,
Yet always stay serene...

As life goes on with its parade,
Let others hunt their prey,
Let others hide when finding shade,
To watch the young ones play...
The leopard lay upon his shelf,
Legs dangling now and then,
Not lonesome being by himself,
Until that time again...

When night approached and stars returned,
He stared upon them, too...
And wondered, were these eyes that learned
From yonder point of view?
Or were they merely like the moon,
Just scattered to and fro?
And while such answers don't come soon,
His heart still yearned to know...


Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2013.


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

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

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

Shared on

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/silent-witness-4/

Printer-friendly text version:

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http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/08/silent-witness.html

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

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


Update: My poem, 'An Ode To Stephen Gayford'
is featured in the website's News Section!

http://www.gayfordgallery.com/news.htm

There's also a Guest Book!

http://users2.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g25-52612-21

The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:

poemhunter.com links:

http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.speedauction.tv
http://www.pricedropper.co.uk
http://www.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

IN THE LONG GRASS

Two bear cubs stared in the long grass,
Alert, as if on guard,
No friend or foe to let them pass,
Yet Mum and Dad weren't barred...
But truth to say, just stay a while,
Look tough to one and all,
But when approached, would run a mile,
Or maybe trip and fall...

Each gave the other courage till
A stranger came along,
Then they would scarper, feeling ill,
Decidedly not strong..
For now, they hold their heads up high,
Though somewhat raw recruits,
If something moved, then watch them sigh,
While shaking in their boots...

Just barely holding on, you see,
Till Mum and Dad return,
This Twilight Zone eternity
Has nothing new to learn...
I bet that Mum and Dad are near
And find it quite sublime
To see those bear cubs full of fear,
While they laugh all the time!


Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2013.


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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'In The Long Grass'.

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

Shared on

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/in-the-long-grass-2/

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http://www.poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/in-the-long-grass-2/

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http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/08/in-long-grass.html

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

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


Update: My poem, 'An Ode To Stephen Gayford'
is featured in the website's News Section!

http://www.gayfordgallery.com/news.htm

There's also a Guest Book!

http://users2.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g25-52612-21

The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:

poemhunter.com links:

http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.speedauction.tv
http://www.pricedropper.co.uk
http://www.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

WATCH AND LEARN!

Three lions stared at goings-on,
Because they were brand new,
Regarding sights till they were gone,
For what else should they do?
Like us, they learn how things are done,
The skills that others know,
In time like them, second to none,
With each one like a pro...

Three lions looking quite perplexed,
Amazed at what they saw,
To question what would happen next,
Then learn what lay in store...
Eyes open wide and taking in,
Like cameras set on zoom,
Depending on their kith and kin,
Their lessons to resume...

Three lions learning day-by-day
The hunting skills they'd need,
Gone was the time they used to play,
Their new lives must proceed...
How else could they survive the years?
As partners they'd do well,
As long as they could beat their fears...
But only time would tell...


Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2013.


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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Watch And Learn'.

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

Shared on

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/watch-and-learn-5/

Printer-friendly text version:

http://www.poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/watch-and-learn-5/

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/watch-and-learn-poem

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/08/watch-and-learn.html

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

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


Update: My poem, 'An Ode To Stephen Gayford'
is featured in the website's News Section!

http://www.gayfordgallery.com/news.htm

There's also a Guest Book!

http://users2.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g25-52612-21

The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:

poemhunter.com links:

http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.speedauction.tv
http://www.pricedropper.co.uk
http://www.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

ARCTIC FOX

The arctic fox was laying low,
With cunning in his eyes,
While just above the ice and snow,
Just waiting in disguise...
A patient creature, yes, indeed,
Yet patience was the key
And with this friend he would succeed,
Sometime, eventually...

His gentle breath belied his heart,
It was as cold as ice,
Starvation tears the soul apart,
From then on, it's not nice...
So hunting prey was his sole aim,
His only chance to live,
And so I ask, is he to blame,
If he, no chance will give?

The arctic fox must bide his time,
While time was on his side,
To contemplate upon his crime,
So many can't abide...
Despite the fact some can't condone,
His dinner keeps him strong,
Since no-one's here, he's quite alone,
Till dinner comes along...


Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2013.


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

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

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

Shared on

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/arctic-fox/

Printer-friendly text version:

http://www.poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/arctic-fox/

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/arctic-fox-poem

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/08/arctic-fox.html

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

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


Update: My poem, 'An Ode To Stephen Gayford'
is featured in the website's News Section!

http://www.gayfordgallery.com/news.htm

There's also a Guest Book!

http://users2.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g25-52612-21

The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:

poemhunter.com links:

http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.speedauction.tv
http://www.pricedropper.co.uk
http://www.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

HIDE AWAY

The tiger tottered to-and-fro,
Exhausted by the heat,
Then saw a magic silver glow
Upon a flattened sheet...
He realised the stream was near,
A little hide away,
Then everything was crystal clear,
As if to make his day...

When tigers smile, they almost grin,
Stiff upper lip, you see,
That's why he slowly sauntered in,
Instead of joyfully...
But almost in, he gently paused,
As if with thankful heart,
With no idea how this was caused,
Yet ready to take part...

Thus gliding in, till shoulder high,
Then past the muddy spread,
He paddled on, now feeling spry,
In one straight line ahead...
This is the life, he told himself,
A wash down now and then,
A soothing booster to one's health!
Amen... Amen... Amen!


Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2013.


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

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

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

Shared on

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/hide-away-10/

Printer-friendly text version:

http://www.poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/hide-away-10/

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/hide-away-poem

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/08/hide-away.html

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

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


Update: My poem, 'An Ode To Stephen Gayford'
is featured in the website's News Section!

http://www.gayfordgallery.com/news.htm

There's also a Guest Book!

http://users2.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g25-52612-21

The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:

poemhunter.com links:

http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.speedauction.tv
http://www.pricedropper.co.uk
http://www.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

YOUNG GUN

The young male lion lived life well,
A leader through and through,
With courage only time could tell,
Great expectations, too...
Determined always, standing proud,
His image to protect,
Untamed, unfettered and unbowed,
Thus Nature's true elect...

How long before he lost his crown?
He never thought that way,
His wisdom never let him down
And here he chose to stay...
He pitied those that sought to fight
A lion such as he,
For he would fight with all his might
And prove his majesty...

One glare from him and others sensed
Their challenge was forlorn,
His stance was bold with muscles tensed,
He viewed each one with scorn...
Alas, one truth remained ignored,
The price of self-control,
With not one friend as his reward,
He looked a lonely soul...


Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2013.


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

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

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

Shared on

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/young-gun/

Printer-friendly text version:

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

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/young-gun-poem

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/08/young-gun.html

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

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


Update: My poem, 'An Ode To Stephen Gayford'
is featured in the website's News Section!

http://www.gayfordgallery.com/news.htm

There's also a Guest Book!

http://users2.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g25-52612-21

The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:

poemhunter.com links:

http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.speedauction.tv
http://www.pricedropper.co.uk
http://www.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

IT'S BEEN A LONG DAY...

Oh, the white tiger was weary!
His tootsies throbbed and throbbed...
Though white tigers don't get teary,
He almost sighed and sobbed...
He asked, How long will this day last?
He hoped it would end soon,
Because he knew when it was past,
He'd sleep beneath the moon...

The day went on and on and on...
He had to have a rest!
He couldn't wait till it had gone,
Though anger he expressed...
He hadn't learnt to pace himself,
That's why there was no doubt,
He wasn't in the best of health,
He was plum-tuckered out!

His heavy head matched heavy heart,
He yawned, as tigers do,
The doziness began to start,
Eyes closing to the view...
And minutes later, tootsies soothed,
He gladly said, Goodnight...
And thus, for hours, hardly moved,
Contented to sleep tight...


Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2013.


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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'It's Been A long Day II'.

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

Shared on

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/it-s-been-a-long-day/

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Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/its-been-a-long-day

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/08/its-been-long-day.html

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

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


Update: My poem, 'An Ode To Stephen Gayford'
is featured in the website's News Section!

http://www.gayfordgallery.com/news.htm

There's also a Guest Book!

http://users2.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g25-52612-21

The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:

poemhunter.com links:

http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.speedauction.tv
http://www.pricedropper.co.uk
http://www.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

GIFTS FOR THE HOME!

When Stephen Gayford paints for you
It's wondrous what will be,
Perhaps a close-up point of view
Of creatures few will see...
White tigers are quite rare, of course,
Endangered as they are,
Not like the cow, the sheep, the horse
You find both near and far...

When Stephen Gayford paints for you,
It's beauty that he shares,
Beneath a sky that's oh so blue
Are lions, tigers, bears...
Yet each of these can still express
The journey life endows,
Perhaps the chance for happiness
That sometimes life allows...

When Stephen Gayford paints for you,
Across the world he'll roam,
Not just to sketch life at the zoo,
To share gifts for the home...
He's right there where the creatures live,
With camera close-at-hand,
Then sketching creatures that he's with
So that you'll understand...

When Stephen Gayford paints for you,
It's like a photograph,
With striking colours bold and new,
Like light upon a path...
To draw you in, to make you smile,
To help appreciate,
That life's a gift to share a while,
Something to celebrate...

When Stephen Gayford paints for you,
His talents make him glad,
For he knows what his paintings do,
From feedback that he's had...
Perhaps his paintings grace the hall,
Enhance the fireplace,
I only know they help us all,
Put smiles on every face...


Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2013.

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

The poem is based on the magnificent paintings
by Stephen Gayford, sold as gifts for the home...

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

Shared on

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/gifts-for-the-home/

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http://www.poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/gifts-for-the-home/

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/gifts-for-the-home

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/08/gifts-for-home.html

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

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


Update: My poem, 'An Ode To Stephen Gayford'
is featured in the website's News Section!

http://www.gayfordgallery.com/news.htm

There's also a Guest Book!

http://users2.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g25-52612-21

The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:

poemhunter.com links:

http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.speedauction.tv
http://www.pricedropper.co.uk
http://www.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

LIONS, TIGERS, JAGUARS!

So many big cats lurk out there!
They prowl by day and night!
Enough to give your heart a scare
And make you gulp with fright!
Enough to make you run a mile,
Four minutes, maybe less...
Enough to make that big cat smile
And smirk with happiness!

A head start you may have, my friend,
But can it you maintain?
Or in the background there to blend
And patiently remain?
Or can you climb the tallest tree
Those big cats would refuse,
Purrchance another day to see
And not fall down and bruise?

Oh, my! I think I'll stay at home!
Watch telly and stay safe!
No point in going out to roam,
You see, I'm not that brave...
I'm not like Stephen Gayford is,
Exploring far and wide!
I think I should give that a miss...
Buy paintings here... and hide!


Denis Martindale, copyright, August 2013.


I found this website which featured the
Snow Leopard poem. The website has
extra right-hand screen lynx, erm, links.

http://www.squidoo.com/lions-and-tigers-and-jaguars-oh-my

http://www.squidoo.com/ocelots

http://www.squidoo.com/gift-ideas-for-tiger-lovers

http://www.squidoo.com/tigerzoo

http://www.squidoo.com/lion-hugs

http://www.squidoo.com/i-love-tigers

Comments encourage the website creators!


http://www.squidoo.com/lions-and-tigers-and-jaguars-oh-my

FOREST SENTINEL

The wolf was waiting, as you do,
Yet who could tell what for?
The scenery, the point of view?
Perhaps a sense of awe?
A sentinel from Summers past
With Winter here today,
Now braving winds approaching fast
With sunshine kept at bay...

Beyond a mumbling, grumbling tum,
A belly void of food,
The wolf knew he must overcome,
Not simply change his mood...
He paced himself, saved energy,
Reserved resources still,
For fate would change his destiny
According to its will...

Perhaps a father one year soon,
The wolf must yet survive,
Beneath the sun, beneath the moon,
To somehow stay alive...
In life, there were no guarantees,
Just 'maybes' now and then,
So he endured the Winter freeze,
Like last year, once again...


Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2013.


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

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

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

Shared on

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/forest-sentinel/

Printer-friendly text version:

http://www.poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/forest-sentinel/

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/forest-sentinel

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/07/forest-sentinel.html

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

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


Update: My poem, 'An Ode To Stephen Gayford'
is featured in the website's News Section!

http://www.gayfordgallery.com/news.htm

There's also a Guest Book!

http://users2.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g25-52612-21

The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:

poemhunter.com links:

http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.speedauction.tv
http://www.pricedropper.co.uk
http://www.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

ZERO TOLERANCE

My word, that elephant stood proud!
No diet had he planned!
He ate such food as was allowed
Each day he roamed the land...
He munched food here, he munched food there,
He munched, munched, munched all day,
No longer looking debonair,
Just one big blob of grey!

No longer alpha male once praised,
Just moving kinda slow...
The others looked at him amazed,
As he let himself go...
His legs like tree trunks hoisted high,
So he could trudge along,
To fill up with some new supply,
In this, he saw no wrong!

But others knew! He'd soon get ill
And bellyache again,
When eating wasn't quite the thrill
Once thought ten out of ten...
Why tolerate all foods like him?
Let's hope that you're more wise!
Gone past the stage, filled to the brim,
He's almost twice his size!


Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2013.


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

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

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

Shared on

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/zero-tolerance/

Printer-friendly text version:

http://www.poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/zero-tolerance/

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/zero-tolerance-poem

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/07/zero-tolerance.html

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

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


Update: My poem, 'An Ode To Stephen Gayford'
is featured in the website's News Section!

http://www.gayfordgallery.com/news.htm

There's also a Guest Book!

http://users2.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g25-52612-21

The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:

poemhunter.com links:

http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.speedauction.tv
http://www.pricedropper.co.uk
http://www.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

READY TO ACT!

The cheetah sensed a presence near,
A sudden sound was heard,
He looked around to get things clear
And tension in him stirred...
Not breathing now to focus more,
He waited extra signs,
As if preparing there for war,
Despite the sun that shines...

For things aren't always what they seem,
As hunting skills had proved,
Sometimes serene, sometimes extreme,
Yet he was rarely soothed...
This time, he stared intently so,
Completely on his guard,
For every cheetah comes to know
That sometimes life gets hard...

Amazingly, he stood his ground,
With courage rarely shown,
For something close was circling round,
So he was not alone...
Then out of nowhere, danger struck,
So fast it had to stun!
Good job for him he had some luck...
You should've seen him run!


Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2013.


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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Ready To Act'.

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

Shared on

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http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/07/ready-to-act.html

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

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


Update: My poem, 'An Ode To Stephen Gayford'
is featured in the website's News Section!

http://www.gayfordgallery.com/news.htm

There's also a Guest Book!

http://users2.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g25-52612-21

The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:

poemhunter.com links:

http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.speedauction.tv
http://www.pricedropper.co.uk
http://www.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

OUT OF SIGHT

The lonesome leopard loitered there,
With nowhere else to go,
High up that tree to coldly stare
At those that didn't know...
While hiding out, what could they do?
That's why he chose that spot,
Not simply for a point of view,
But wickedly to plot...

Nefarious, his middle name,
Yet nonchalant, at rest,
He'd found a loophole in life's game
He was about to test...
A little shade to soothe his soul,
A little sun above,
A little time for self-control,
Before he did his stuff...

His dinner hadn't sauntered by,
He pondered when it would,
For time up there was slow to fly,
In that calm neighbourhood...
Yet pretty soon, he had to snooze,
Though sleep he tried to fight...
Sometimes to win, sometimes to lose,
Completely out of sight...


Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2013.


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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Out Of Sight'.

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

Shared on

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Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/out-of-sight-poem

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/07/out-of-sight.html

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

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


Update: My poem, 'An Ode To Stephen Gayford'
is featured in the website's News Section!

http://www.gayfordgallery.com/news.htm

There's also a Guest Book!

http://users2.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g25-52612-21

The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:

poemhunter.com links:

http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.speedauction.tv
http://www.pricedropper.co.uk
http://www.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

ANOTHER STRETCH

The lion cub awoke from sleep
One eyelid at a time,
Wondering extra dreams to keep
Or face the world sublime...
With one slow breath, his legs had moved,
He squinted at the sun
And though he'd hoped that he'd improved,
His waking wasn't fun...

Though his heart was still in Dreamland,
Like us, he'd things to do...
With dangling legs, he tried to stand,
But they were stubborn, too...
He stretched his legs with all his might,
His eyeballs stared ahead,
To get accustomed to the light
That stirred him from his bed...

'What's going on this brand new day?'
'Who will I fight and win?'
'Who's up right now who wants to play?'
His memories made him grin...
Another stretch, another yawn,
Another longdrawn sigh,
Once done, they helped him face the dawn
And hold his head up high...


Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2013.


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

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

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

Shared on

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/another-stretch/

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http://www.poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/another-stretch/

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/another-stretch

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/07/another-stretch.html

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

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


Update: My poem, 'An Ode To Stephen Gayford'
is featured in the website's News Section!

http://www.gayfordgallery.com/news.htm

There's also a Guest Book!

http://users2.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g25-52612-21

The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:

poemhunter.com links:

http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.speedauction.tv
http://www.pricedropper.co.uk
http://www.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

WATCHING YOU, WATCHING ME

'What's this!?' the cheetah asked himself,
As on the rock he stayed,
But then he crouched upon its shelf,
Intentions thus displayed...
For I saw him and he saw me,
Both looking nowhere else,
Just staring back, quite purposely,
Within hypnotic spells...

Perhaps he gulped, like I did then,
Courageous, unafraid,
Determined not to run again,
With cowardice betrayed...
With valour shining through and through,
Nobility and such,
With minor trembling hard to view
And trying not to budge...

But then I blinked! And Hell broke loose!
He chased me down the hill,
My little legs no time to choose,
My heart no time to chill...
Safaris aren't my scene, in fact,
I'm not that keen to roam,
I'd rather keep my life intact
And watch TV at home...


Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2013.


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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Watching You, Watching Me'.

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

Shared on

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/watching-you-watching-me-2/

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http://www.poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/watching-you-watching-me-2/

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/watching-you-watching-me-poem

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/07/watching-you-watching-me.html

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

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


Update: My poem, 'An Ode To Stephen Gayford'
is featured in the website's News Section!

http://www.gayfordgallery.com/news.htm

There's also a Guest Book!

http://users2.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g25-52612-21

The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:

poemhunter.com links:

http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.speedauction.tv
http://www.pricedropper.co.uk
http://www.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

CHEETAH SUNSET

Another Summer's day must end,
The cheetah left fatigued,
So there he was, without a friend,
Still hoping to succeed...
To him, that meant his suppertime,
Some random passing meal,
For how else could he pass his time,
With hunger pains so real?

The sunset loomed and that prevents
His hunting skills, of course,
When running leads to accidents
And even more remorse...
He studied well the local land,
The ground both near and far,
A final chase foreseen and planned,
Before each coming star...

Another Summer's twilight came,
The cheetah's hopes to melt,
Survival was his only aim,
Imagine how he felt...
From some, he'd get their sympathy,
From some, he'd get dismissed,
Yet hunting, that's his destiny,
The next day to exist...


Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2013.


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

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

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

Shared on

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Printer-friendly text version:

http://www.poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/cheetah-sunset/

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http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/07/cheetah-sunset.html

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

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


Update: My poem, 'An Ode To Stephen Gayford'
is featured in the website's News Section!

http://www.gayfordgallery.com/news.htm

There's also a Guest Book!

http://users2.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g25-52612-21

The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:

poemhunter.com links:

http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.speedauction.tv
http://www.pricedropper.co.uk
http://www.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

TEMPLE TIGERS

The temple tigers calmed the pace,
They stopped us in our tracks,
It was as if they owned the place,
Deciding to relax...
They lounged as if they couldn't care,
Mankind should go away,
Just be polite and leave them there,
Come back another day...

But as a tourist, camera-blessed,
I didn't up and leave,
Despite the fact my friend confessed
Was scared and tugged my sleeve...
While he ran back, I kept my ground,
My camera clicking fast,
Then suddenly, my forehead frowned,
As they stood up at last...

I swiftly turned, then chased my friend,
As if The Great Escape,
A hundred yards, on that depend,
But he was out of shape!
I caught him up, then ran ahead
And started up the jeep!
Those tigers filled us both with dread,
The temple they can keep!


Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2013.


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

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

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

Shared on

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/temple-tigers/

Printer-friendly text version:

http://www.poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/temple-tigers/

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http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/07/temple-tigers.html

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

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


Update: My poem, 'An Ode To Stephen Gayford'
is featured in the website's News Section!

http://www.gayfordgallery.com/news.htm

There's also a Guest Book!

http://users2.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g25-52612-21

The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:

poemhunter.com links:

http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.speedauction.tv
http://www.pricedropper.co.uk
http://www.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

REGAL PRESENCE

At first, of course, I had to stare,
Snow leopards blend so well,
Yet when I saw him nestled there,
I heard that warning bell...
His regal presence calmed my heart,
He was so self-assured,
As if to him, it was an art,
Perfected, never flawed...

My camera clicked each time he moved,
No matter, left or right,
My soul at rest and somehow soothed,
By gentleness in sight...
As long as he could not see me,
The photos were sublime,
Amid the wondrous scenery,
Where we both spent our time...

To think, that Man appreciates
The big cats and the small,
It's almost like Man celebrates
The wonder of it all...
Snow leopards brave the coldest days
And through them all endure,
Perhaps that's worthy of Man's praise,
Our courage to restore...


Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2013.


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

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

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

Shared on

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http://www.poemhunter.com/best-poems/denis-martindale/regal-presence/

Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/regal-presence

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/07/regal-presence.html

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

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


Update: My poem, 'An Ode To Stephen Gayford'
is featured in the website's News Section!

http://www.gayfordgallery.com/news.htm

There's also a Guest Book!

http://users2.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g25-52612-21

The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:

poemhunter.com links:

http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.speedauction.tv
http://www.pricedropper.co.uk
http://www.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

LAYING IN WAIT

Stretched out upon a sloping rock,
The tiger took repose,
As if his very place to lock,
Take stock and count his toes...
His stomach flattened, there to rest,
Till something came along,
His dinnertime, so he'd get blessed,
To keep him growing strong...

An hour passing slowly by
Can make the neck to ache
And so he simply let it lie,
As if to take a break...
His eyes surveyed the scenery,
The sky, the trees, the ground,
His ears relayed each mystery
Compressed in every sound...

But time went on and on and on
Until his eyelids drooped
And all his senses then were gone,
With him completely pooped...
I've never heard a tiger snore,
For only fools get close,
That's why today, I'm not quite sure...
If yes, God only knows...


Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2013.


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

The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Laying In Wait'.

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

Shared on

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Shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/laying-in-wait

http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/07/laying-in-wait.html

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

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


Update: My poem, 'An Ode To Stephen Gayford'
is featured in the website's News Section!

http://www.gayfordgallery.com/news.htm

There's also a Guest Book!

http://users2.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g25-52612-21

The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:

poemhunter.com links:

http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.speedauction.tv
http://www.pricedropper.co.uk
http://www.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24

MY KINGDOM

The lion king surveyed his land,
His kingdom and domain,
For destiny his future planned
Upon that worldly plane...
His challengers had rued the day
They fought the lion king,
Because he battled all the way,
As it meant everything...

The best of them left scarred and scared,
His claws as sharp as knives,
Against his strength not one compared,
Escaping with their lives...
He licked his wounds, yet kept his crown,
He bled, yet suffered all,
For he must earn his great renown,
As victor of each brawl...

His fighting skills improved with age,
His courage kept him strong,
While he was there on centre stage,
To fight the whole day long...
That's why he roars the loudest still,
Contempt for underlings
And that contempt remains until
The changing of the kings...


Denis Martindale, copyright, July 2013.


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

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

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

Shared on

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http://denis-martindale.blogspot.com/2013/07/my-kingdom.html

The Stephen Gayford Gallery website is here:

http://www.gayfordgallery.com

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


Update: My poem, 'An Ode To Stephen Gayford'
is featured in the website's News Section!

http://www.gayfordgallery.com/news.htm

There's also a Guest Book!

http://users2.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g25-52612-21

The Stephen Gayford poems can be viewed here:

poemhunter.com links:

http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems or
http://tinyurl.com/gayfordpoems2

blog website links:

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

Framed pictures can be bought from UK websites:

http://www.bid.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.price-drop.tv (on UK Freeview)
http://www.speedauction.tv
http://www.pricedropper.co.uk
http://www.pokemoncraftstore.com/index.php?cPath=24