Sunset in N’kamba

The sky was ocher

And the countryside glowing.                     

Far away,

On the horizon,

Went down,

Towards the slate-gray mountain,

A mighty pink ball,

Like an all-embracing curious eye:

The African village

Plunged

Into a riot of colors.

On the top of giant eucalypti,

Before enjoying a long rest,

Were singing birds.

In the street

Bathed in flickering daylight,

Children were playing,

And grown-ups were sharing

Innocent secrets.

I couldn’t stop admiring

This magical scenery,

I wished eternity.

But, slowly,

inexorably,

unfailingly,

Merged the colors of nature,

Under the cover of night.