Big Trouble! Poem by Denis Martindale

Two rhino calves looked mighty small
Next to their parent there,
Such that they hoped they'd be as tall
And make the others stare!
It's hard to see a rhino smile,
Who knows the mood they're in?
And who's to stay around a while
To see if it will grin?

The two calves walked quite gingerly
Around the heavyweight,
Not boisterous, full of jollity,
The risk was far too great...
Their parents sense this must be so,
No sudden moves that fright,
Just gently, gently... somewhat slow...
No matter, day or night...

Yet somehow tenderness gets shown
Within the group they form,
Such that among them all it's known,
Emotions that feel warm...
And humans, too, should copy this,
Allow some space between,
Yet still maintain that share of bliss
That none should intervene...


Denis Martindale, copyright, March 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.