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The Sands of Time

THE SANDS OF TIME We stop-- unquestioning the expertise of our Game ranger focused--examining sand and road for tracks Uncomprehending, we ponder waiting for clues he may disclose –the light of dawn Finally- three words:”Do you see?” A revelation for him We try to discern—revealing imprints on a dusty road Man of few words, he speaks again: “footprints...not animal...fresh, close and recent” Bushmen behind a thicket of shrub Authentic and unique-nomads in the Namib Desert “A family... hunting” he enlightens us further We sit warm in blankets and woollen scarves They crouch, short in stature, hiding—naked and shy Feeling uncomfortable, inappropriately wrong somehow.. Binoculars and camera’s enforce the contrast-awkwardly Our arrogance, whilst they are natural –reticently Our Ranger details informative dialogue—geographical lectures Nomadic in their habitual housing, hunting skills faultless... Every imprint in the sand tells its own story Many not wanting their legends uncovered Invasion – intrusive, identities discovered We linger no longer—luxurious Game Lodge beckons Enjoying a breakfast we had no need to hunt for Copyright© April 2013—Kim van Breda

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Evrod Samuel

Date: 5/4/2013 4:54:00 AM

i like ..very deep

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 4/18/2013 9:44:00 AM

It sounded like a exciting experience ..... I'm glad we do not have to kill to eat breakfast. - Thank you for a "different" poem Kim, nice to read it. - oxox / / Anne-Lise :)

Gordon Mcconnell

Date: 4/18/2013 9:03:00 AM

Really nice write, Kim,being Scottish not understands the 'sans of time', has it special meaning?. The title reminds me of old Scottish hymn 'The Sands of Time are sinking' by Scottish writer and preacher Samuel Rutherford which looks at preparing for death and entering heaven. THanks for lovely read, have a blessed day, Gordon

Kim Van Breda
Date: 4/18/2013 12:20:00 PM

Hi Gordon.. Thanks for stopping by to read this. The "Sans" are the original "Bushman" inhabitants of Africa. They lead a very self-sufficient life in the the greater unexplored area of our country through choice and traditional values. Unfortunately, they are a rare population, seemimgly becoming extinct. I joing you in celebrating our Eternal life one day soon. xxx

Delysia Hendricks

Date: 4/17/2013 6:05:00 PM

Oooh, nice one on our "Sans" of Time. I especially like your ending. Good poetry, Kim. :)

Kim Van Breda
Date: 4/18/2013 2:29:00 AM

Thanks Delysia-- you are always so encouraging. I guess only us SA's would get the metaphor of the title and the "Sans"-- this poem was written from an actual experience. xxx