I've Never Been To Africa

I've lived where orange blossoms fall
and flutter on the streets of Spain.
In Germany I've seen the wall,
and snow-capped mountains from the train.
I've known Bahamas' sunlight gleam
where palm trees shift in sultry air,
but Africa, exotic dream—
imagination takes me there.
 
I see the restless plains that stretch
to meet the blue, forever sky,
alive with teeming herds that sketch
a savage scene in my mind's eye.
I picture people, tall and proud,
whose ancestors have braved this land,
and tamed a wilderness, unbowed
by flooding, droughts, and burning sand.
 
And in this dream, white jasmine sends
a honeyed scent that hangs and bathes
the senses where the blue grass bends
to spice the air in pungent swathes.
At sunset, coral streamers drape
across horizon's purple bars,
and nighttime spreads its velvet cape,
bejeweled with half a billion stars.
 
I live in North America—
so cool and tame everything seems!
I've never been to Africa,
but I have seen it in my dreams.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Naye Avatar
May 18, 2023 at 11:29 PM
Great piece!! If this was written from your imagination, by the time you visit Africa your poems will change, when you experience the sweet and bitter, the good the bad and the ugly. Keep it up.
Ahmed Avatar
May 5, 2023 at 12:18 PM
Very Ornamental! a traveler's poem! ends with the dream to see more. Makes it beautiful.
Ekwobi Avatar
April 28, 2023 at 8:18 AM
This poem: Africa's biggest celebration! Please come to Africa. My room is waiting.
Pick Avatar
April 27, 2023 at 9:47 PM
Thanks for sharing I really like this poem it sends wonderful images, Regards Les.
Mcconnell Avatar
April 25, 2023 at 7:01 AM
Such a lovely piece Katharine, with great imagery and insightfulness too. I've been to South Africa a couple of times which is truly majestic. Love your penning, blessings from Scotland,Gordon
Gayagay Avatar
March 24, 2023 at 5:02 AM
Wow, absolutely beautiful poem! Conjures up images of safari, grassland, stunning sunsets.
Leiser Avatar
May 10, 2022 at 4:48 PM
Absolutely beautiful with superb rhythm and flow…lovely! :)
Dietrich Avatar
June 7, 2020 at 2:11 AM
This is so nice. I got to be at the top of Africa when I studied years ago in Spain. Your poem makes me want to be there again.
Sparrow Avatar
June 7, 2020 at 5:56 PM
Where did you study? I spent a yr in Sevilla during college, but I never made it to Morocco.
Bangalee Avatar
June 7, 2020 at 1:20 AM
beautiful delightful description; penned well
Desk Avatar
June 6, 2020 at 8:06 AM
Wonderful poem, a pleasure to read, thank you.
Sparrow Avatar
June 6, 2020 at 4:58 PM
Thank-you Carl, appreciate your encouraging remark!
Sparrow Avatar
June 14, 2019 at 9:27 PM
Alan, that is wonderful to hear! Thank-you!
Weldon Avatar
June 14, 2019 at 4:38 PM
Hello Caroline. I love this poem. I'm from Africa originally and you have caught an essence of that vast place. Thank you
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