River Crossing! Poem by Denis Martindale

The tiger approached the river and looked through wary eyes,
Not knowing it would deliver a blessed or cursed surprise.
But hoping for a soothing time, perhaps less than an hour,
Reviving him with strength sublime, refreshing with new power.
Hoping his courage would improve, without feeling perplexed,
How cautiously he made his move with one step, then the next.
The soft mud blessed his paws at first, and then his legs as well,
So why perceive himself as cursed without the proof to tell?

Just trees and their birds overhead as his sole company,
He suddenly lost all his dread amid tranquillity.
His senses heightened as he stayed a few more moments there,
No longer feeling as dismayed, as if without a care.
Now with this contrast in his mind, his muscles claimed this peace,
Calmed down enough to leave behind that first sense of unease.
The river was now his domain, his cherished chosen place,
And he could never be the same because of its embrace.

The soul knows well when joy takes hold, and each man knows this, too.
A treasure trove worth more than gold, like wishes that come true.
And so the tiger walked ahead, surveying all he could,
That hour when all fears had fled, and everything looked good.
When fears are gone, then sad thoughts leave, and wondrous thoughts abide,
No wonder there's no cause to grieve, to cower or to hide.
'Mark well, your times of joy and peace! ' he would now tell us all,
'Because such times when sorrows cease, life grants a miracle! '


Denis Martindale.12th December 2025.


The poem is about the magnificent wildlife painting
by UK artist Stephen Gayford called River Crossing.