On The Move Poem by Denis Martindale

On The Move



The elephant was on the move,
Vivaciously, of course,
As if he had something to prove,
A legend to enforce.
With ears as big as suitcases
And tusks like scimitars,
He looked fierce at all those faces
That stared from jeeps and cars.
The tourists on safari
Could scarce believe their eyes...
This giant was a sight to see...
So ancient and so wise...
Their cameras clicked and clicked again,
As if a strategem,
To overcome their fears right then,
As he looked down on them.
A sudden move and he would charge,
Unchanged, untamed, born wild.
A raging bull, unleashed, at large -
He cared not if they smiled...
He was no dog that they could pet,
No gentle pussycat...
For he could make a cool man sweat
And make a brave man scat!
I've seen him run and then gain speed,
I've felt the trembling earth
And though you may think I'm a weed,
I ran for all I'm worth!
I left my camera somewhere...
It fell upon the ground...
God heard me pray the fastest prayer
Or I'd be Heaven-bound!
I've kept my distance from that day
And that's the Gospel Truth!
Keep out of the elephant's way,
Each time he's on the move!


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

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