Three Stooges Poem by Denis Martindale

Meerkats wake at the break of day, then stand and face the sun,
Absorbing heat that comes their way until that chore gets done.
Though cold until each one gets warm, they wait and see that through,
So that each one is in top form to do what each must do.
Their tails maintain their balance well, or else they'd fall for sure,
Instead of standing for a spell, they'd fall flat on the floor.
Though they survive when times get mean, despite their lack of height,
Some people judge the meerkats seen, as stooges at first sight.

Well, that's not fair, not fair at all, since they've their part to play,
They'll do this if they stand or fall, determined day by day.
The tiny ones run to and fro, as older ones stand guard,
Then underground they sometimes go, all worries to discard.
The warning calls change everything, so meerkats run and hide,
Returning from each hole to spring, alert, eyes opened wide.
It's teamwork that helps each survive the predators around,
Yes, teamwork helps each one to thrive despite the dangers found.

I know they look a funny lot and that they make us smile,
And yet, consider what they've got to overcome each trial.
United meerkats prove their worth wherever they may roam,
Above the ground, below the earth, they're not too far from home.
The meerkats seldom need to fight, although they've got black eyes,
Reflect that wisdom brings them might regardless of their size.
They share their love and tenderness just as they share the sun,
These are the treasures meant to bless each meerkat one by one.


Denis Martindale, for the 23rd of March 2024.


The poem's about the magnificent painting by UK
wildlife artist Stephen Gayford called Three Stooges.