Stand By Me! Poem by Denis Martindale

The elephant Mother and calf
Stood still, as large as life,
Portrayed as if one and a half,
United to survive.
For each new day was not the same
As those that went before,
Endurance here was not a game,
Sometimes it was a war.

For life is more than sunny days
With predators around,
Some camouflaged in subtle ways
Who seldom made a sound.
And mercy is not on their minds
And never in their hearts,
It all depends on what each finds
Before each day departs.

The elephant Mother and calf
May live their lives for years,
Or just one day and just one half,
Before fears end in tears.
Can Man stay wise and well-behaved?
Can Man prevent such theft?
Can Man preserve what should be saved?
Can Man guard each life left?


Denis Martindale. The 20th of February 2026.