Kim Van Breda Poet Free verse

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 May 4, 2013 at 4:54 AM i like ..very deep

Anne-Lise Andresen April 18, 2013 at 9:44 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 April 18, 2013 at 9:03 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 April 18, 2013 at 12:20 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 April 17, 2013 at 6:05 PM Oooh, nice one on our "Sans" of Time. I especially like your ending. Good poetry, Kim. :) Kim Van Breda April 18, 2013 at 2:29 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