This is Africa

How to describe beauty to one who has not seen?
The veldt afire in the shimmering heat
too richly golden for Egyptian kings.
In the distance lifts a shaggy glowing crown,
rosy palettes as the sun inches down.
This, I think, is Africa.....

Hungry lionesses watch patiently.
Unsuspecting zebras graze peacefully.
Lions prey while zebras bray until....
Life is death, death is life,
Deprivation, starvation, strife.
The real Africa.

Night to day, day to night....
lions roar, hyenas laugh, birds silent.
Night's canvas slender protection.
The strong prowl without relent.
Impenetrable black, safety an illusion.
Nights in Africa.

On the Wami, hippos wag stunted tails
causing death when warnings fail.
Crocs with toothy grins glide by,
kings of fishing eye waters from the sky.
All at risk and want to hide.
This.... and this... and this is Africa!

Here plagues fall and rise,
causing hemorrhage from the eyes.
Sleeping death comes from flies.
The biggest killer is the smallest,
viral care does not exist.
Africa's dark side.

How to tell of dangerous climbs?
Macheted men hack shackling vines.
Of mountains steep and muddy
where the Congo meets Uganda
assault rifles at the ready.
Here too, is Africa.

Baby gorillas play in trees.
Infants in mothers' arms at ease.
Young males pound their chests.
Silverbacks graze and rest,
gentle strength withstands all tests.
I love this Africa!

Africa beautiful, merciless.
Imagination real, real unimaginable.
My desire is not reduced.
I am addicted and seduced.
Opium's opium, euphoria, pain
Africa, to be with you again...