AFRICA SMILED
– A poem by Bridget Dore, dedicated to Madiba (Nelson Mandela)
Africa smiled a little When you left. “We know you,” Africa said, “We have seen and watched you, We can learn to live without you, But We know We needn’t yet.”
And Africa smiled a little When you left. “You cannot leave Africa,” Africa said. “It is always with you, There inside your head. Our rivers run in currents In the swirl of your thumbprints; Our drumbeats Counting out your pulse, Our coastline, The silhouette of your soul.”
So Africa smiled a little When you left. “We are in you,” Africa said. “You have not left us, yet.”
- Bridget Dore
This morning we’d wake early as usual, but this time also have to pack our luggage. A nice little breakfast, or maybe even a packed lunch to go, depending on how far of a journey. We say our goodbyes to our hosts, our guides, and many of the camp staff – all who now seem like new friends. You’ll do a game-drive on the way out, and of course you may see animals, but this is just what they/we call it – to take the bite out of the fact that you are leaving Africa today.
Steph in underground elephant hide. Hwange, Zimbabwe, 2017.
Ghoha Hills, Savuti, Botswana, 2017. A brief respite, looking at miles of "nothing". Even though the safari camps take care of your nearly every need, "down-time" is rare. Cleaning your camera gear, washing your "littles", taking the obligatory outdoor shower, or having a nap.
Baobob tree (genus Adansonia). Zimbabwe, 2017.
On the mokoro. Okavango Delta, Botswana, 2017.
Game drive with Sibs. Hwange, Zimbabwe, 2017.
Definitely feel like a little piece of me will always be there -> So Africa smiled a little When you left. “We are in you,” Africa said. “You have not left us, yet.”
Happy memories supported by wonderful photographs. The poem is simple and moving - Mandela was an amazing man.