Safe Crossing Poem by Denis Martindale

The elephant was very hot and needed to cool down.
The water's edge was very soft, like clay and muddy brown.

The creature comforts looked divine beneath the boiling sun
And so he chose not to decline and start to have some fun!

The water welcomed one and all, to visit anytime.
As if to say, no need to stall... I'm here and it's sublime...

But danger, still, was ever near, as others rightly know.
For some are known to disappear! They simply come... and go.

The elephant has giant eyes, enough to see what's what
And yet temptation leads to sighs, especially when hot...

The gentle giant waded in, upto his trunk and more...
He swam across, with cheerful grin, to reach the other shore...

A lot can happen in a month, with many things to learn!
So he raised his trunk in triumph! Rejoicing in his turn!

The sun still shone, the heat endured, yet he was cooler now...
He felt elated, self-assured, revitalized somehow...

Safe crossing isn't guaranteed, yet when some find success,
It's great to see they can proceed and find new happiness!

I'm far too scared! I'm filled with fear! I'm not exactly brave!
I think I'll stay safe... over here. I'm not too keen to bathe...

I'll find some shade beneath a tree... Let others splash around.
Safe crossing! Great! But not for me! I'm staying on firm ground!


The poem is based on the magnificent painting
by Stephen Gayford called 'Safe Crossing'.