Four Africa Poems

MOMBASA Full moon uneasiness Veranda dining, seven course style, One day after my thirty sixth birthday, I dine alone, in a poem. Waiting for the Moon to pass to wane and contemplate for Zanzibar, in vain. . . MARATHON Leawa Downs Marathon Elevation 6000ft. Elephants graze in the foreground Campers camp, Samburu chant Hyena’s WHoop Whoop whoop 5 A.M. Army alarm wake-up The brown dust rises and runners move in Fluid motion In the African Day Building a Country Together Blowing in the wind . . . MASI MARA Descending into the Rift Valley Baby nephew Dylan sings along to the Beatles. Masi heard their cattle in Red blankets and colored beads. Sitting under the tree of knowledge, Different universes under one sky. MASI RAIN The pounding rain of the Mara Post safari, I sit in my tented camp Five Star style and naked. Rain Dancing on canvas: Rain Song of Hyena Laughing, Hippo bellowing, The baritone of the Wildebeest, The tree Frogs low hiccup. I will shower in the hot rainwater for eternity Sit on the Queen bed of honeymooners And wish you were here. Whoever you are. . .