SHE BELONGS HERE

passion, beasts in Africa

SHE BELONGS HERE

 

She Belongs here

where the Acacia trees sway

to carry shadows in the valley

where the scorching sun

meets the dusty bottom

where the large beasts roam free

distant from the zoos and parks

where they share their passion and tenderness

just as we do

where they shape families

just as we do

where they protect and/or kill

just as we do

where they survive in their comfort zone

just as we do

 

She belongs here

a special devotion to large animals

in their own habitats

look! the Wildebeests gallop

fleeing in migration

a fleeting moment of stampede

sound of hoofs pound the earth

resonate in a cloud of dust

 

She belongs here

a fascination for the feral

open spaces in lowlands

stretch to the hills in a long breath

brilliant sunsets intensify the sky

with orange hues, purple twists

nightfall, clear dark stratosphere

where stars dance the flamingo

early dawn, sleepy beasts leave their hideout

frolic in the high grass

just as we do

 

Only the fearless prevail here

to befriend and protect those they love

to defend against poachers, maim and kill

merciless surroundings in the thick bush

where critters disguise tedious motions

to scrutinize in their sphere

composure, restrain

only the click of a camera

 

 

 

     

 

 

Author's Note

I have seen much of Kenya and South Africa...very inspiring

Reviews

[LJW]

What a picture this paints!

The use of the repetitive line is highly effective in the places you chose to use it.

Nice work.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks so much for visiting and writing a lovely review
Best, Betty

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Wonderful portrayal. I enjoyed the read. Have you been to Africa? My oldest daughter served as a youth camp advisor in South Africa and later returned as camp coordinator. She speaks fluent Afrikaans. But the decline of the global banks cut off funding for many of the programs, including hers. I still have lots of photos she took of the flora, fauna and scenery. It's a ruggedly beautiful land. I think much of the big game is in Kenya on the preserve.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Fabian, yes I’ve been to Kenya and S. Africa….it’s incredibly beautiful….so all of this is true….have also met the Masai Tribe….definitely worth a trip some day….I’m sure your daughter had a fine experience…good for her!
Best
B.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I love the Masai one legged stance. It is a trait they share with the aboriginal people of Australia, although they are completely unrelated. I find that interesting. The Masai have some interesting dwellings as well.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I envy you for that, Betty...such beautiful lands and all those wonderous creatures roaming in their element.
Beautiful words here to describe that.
j.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you your lovely review…yea Africa is mysterious, not only for the animals but the tribal people as well…..
Best, B.