Barn Owl... Poem by Denis Martindale

I saw the barn owl overhead and got my camera out,
And then I followed, as it led, as though on walkabout.
Then, thankfully, it chose to land as if it knew no fear.
I swear that barn owl had things planned to fly and disappear!
To my surprise, it found a perch and settled firmly placed,
And so, there was no need to search while this bird I still faced.
I thanked God for a clear blue sky with sunshine and no rain
And soon, I held my camera high, then clicked and clicked again!

That fluffy thing remained so still. How long could my luck last?
My heart was racing at the thrill as each new minute passed.
Then up it flew so fast I sighed. Was it still teasing me?
Or was it serving as my guide to yet more scenery?
To learn if I was still on track without the need to guess,
It turned its head and then looked back for progress to assess.
I walked once more towards that bird, my camera dangling down,
Though suddenly my hopes got stirred, I couldn't help but frown.

The beauty of that barn owl proved still worthwhile just the same,
Because it posed and hardly moved! That's why I'm glad I came!
To gaze upon its gold and white and on its brown and grey,
I'd follow it until twilight and then call it a day.
With every second now embraced, I sensed I must be quick,
I caught up with my camera raised, click-click, click-click, click-click!
My precious photos made me smile much more than I could tell.
Praise God, my photos proved worthwhile and that my day went well!


Denis Martindale, for the 31st of January 2024.


The poem is about the magnificent original painting by
UK wildlife artist Stephen Gayford called Barn Owl.