Skywards in September
Australia to Arabia and Zanzibar
Wandering like Joseph
Animals from Antelopes to Zebras
Roam their own vast spaces
As nature intended
And not in a zoo
How can a giraffe
So very tall
Disappear from view
A mother lion and cubs
Ignore the circling safari
A lick, a snarl, a swaggering few
The leopard with in-filled spots
Ignores the enclosing traffic jam
Yet jumps skittishly at a twig
Thousands of Wildebeest
Migrate like ants down the hill
To cross the river en masse
A Samburu in pastels and beads
Shares the knowledge of years
With his curious visitors
Maasai in red, hiss and
Leap before the fire
Bring the watchers to the dance
Narrow Stonetown lanes
Ancients houses, carved wooden doors
Intrigue yet exclude the visitor
New days, new language and experiences
Jambo, Sopa
Asanti sana, Karibu
Lala salama[ii]
These songs of Africa stay with us
Though our passing presence
Goes unnoticed into Africa
[i] Reference to Paul Simon’s Graceland album and the song,
[ii] Jambo (hello in Kiswahili), Sopa (hello in Maa), Asanti sana (thank you very much) always followed by Karibu (you’re welcome). Security guards wish you lala salama (sleep well)…a greeting that can’t be returned, for safety’s sake.
I love this, what a clever post… Wonderful imagery, thank you.
Thanks Chris, more visual images as I get them sorted.
Beautiful writing. Is a tourist board somewhere in Africa giving you a kickback? You have me convinced.
Happy to discuss in a hangout if the safari calls you. Thanks for the nice compliment.
A safari is on my bucket list – as is winning the lottery to be able to afford it!
Liz it’s a fantastic opportunity and yes, the Lotto, would certainly help with expenses 😉 It wasn’t one of the cheapest holidays we’ve ever had, but it may have been the best…but then that’s a tough call.
It’s amazing that Africa has retained the wildness that it has with all the exploitation and warfare going on.
Lee
Wrote By Rote
Quite true Lee but I suppose much depends on the country too.
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