Africa has always been a favourite dream of mine, to visit. In my earlier years, Jungle Jim was the hero of our neighbourhood. Imagine wrestling gorillas? My only wrestling now is with a sandwich.

Safari of Desire

South African hyenas scavenge, a
signature
they too are part of
the precious Savannas

lions meditate in pride, crocodile
snouts protrude, guarding
watery temples
and the Marula tree guides
spirits of ones ancestors.

Whipping Whettle leaves,
Mopane trees, scrubby
bush, gorges, sliding hillsides
on this Nyalaland Trail of
abundance a menu

where thatched-roof huts
abound in circles,
leafy trees
understanding a village need
for privacy, especially

from the terrors at night.

Yet, in the darkness of memory
a basket of sharing bathes
our blessing, the
tease of your scent
as I gather in a night of loving.

© Richard L. Provencher 2005

first published in The Dublin Quarterly
An International Literary Review
Issue No 7 Mar ’06-May ‘06