The windy road from the escarpment does nothing to reveal the treasures below,
in short time, the tall grasses surround us and bright colours appear here and there.
The butterflies sailing above the furry tops of the grass,
settling on the small flowers to rest their wings.
We look left, we look right,and are surrounded.
Ahead the soul of Africa, a breeding herd, so gentle, so quiet,
moving with the grace of a butterfly,yet the power of a giant.
These large grey masses with their tiny offspring, teaching us the gentleness of Africa,
amidst the wildness and uncaring, they reign supreme.
A short journey across the landscape, to a solitary tree,
in front of us, 4 lions make their place up high in a mangled melee.
Reminds us of the world we must share, reminds us of our responsibility,
reminds us of our fragility, and our transient time here.
To bear witness to Africa’s grace, its charm and guile,
only serves to emphasise our blessed place on earth.
A poem by Marco Van Embden
Angama Mara
Mara Triangle
Maasai Mara
July 2015