Three Princes! Poem by Denis Martindale

When Nature sets apart the best and then says, 'Time will tell.'
Such creatures should surpass the rest, and that we know full well.
Each challenge faced! Fears overcome! These hallmarks are the proof.
The winners gloat, the rest are glum! Such facts portray the truth.
The losers lick wounds while they may, if wild fights they survive,
The winners merely walk away, content to be alive.
But there are lions strong and brave who prove they won't give in.
It's total victory they crave, no matter how they win.

Three princes nestled side by side, awaiting destiny,
As challengers among the pride in hopes of what could be.
Each armed with teeth and sharp claws, too, but not yet in their prime,
Just waiting as young lions do, what has to come in time.
For now, they lounged away in peace, with each day just the same,
Until their moments to release the full strength of their claim.
That frightening hour when power rose to bite and claw in force,
To stand there, trading blows and blows enough to stay the course.

Young lions, princes, nothing more, awaiting kingship still,
Like challengers we can't ignore, prepared to fight and kill.
Condemned by Nature for this task, the stronger on that day,
Not staying in the sun to bask, but steadfast to obey.
While others stare and watch them fight, each battles to the end,
Each one must fight, with all his might, to win, not just defend.
One king remains, or else gets crowned, yet which one will that be?
One king that destiny has found to rule in majesty!


Denis Martindale.12th December 2025.


The poem is about a magnificent wildlife painting
by UK artist Stephen Gayford, called Three Princes.