Skip to content

For Ola (Alexandra)

Who visited us from Poland. She had Afrikaans as an elective subject at university.
During our trip to the Kruger Park, a friendship was born.

We were strangers
separated by
oceans
language
continents
culture
But a match was struck
in your Polish heart
and you fell in love
with my mother tongue:
European in roots,
but born and bred in Africa:
Afrikaans
The burning in your heart
brought you to this country
with its vast beauty
and diversity
To us.

Your name sat uncomfortably
strange in my mouth
hidden in your language
lost in translation

But:

Around a glowing fire
under Orion’s watchful eye
walls fell away
our hearts met in companionship
We shared humour
and the stories of our lives during
hours of driving among
Lead wood
Mopani
Impala
Hoping for the spotted cat
up in a Fever Tree
The delight of seeing:
(when the rest of the camp
was fast a sleep)
Lion and his mate
parading along the fence
The closeness and breathtaking
majesty of the couple
left us trembling
and awed

Sleep was slow to come
we were reluctant to
move away from the warmth
of the fire…
and our emerging friendship

We read poetry
looked for the Southern cross
jumped as a bushbuck barked nearby
tried in vain to imitate
the Fiery necked Night Jar
Finally crept into the tent
tired and deeply content

Dawn choruses of a myriad birds
burst out around us
We’ve reached the last day
of our short journey together
You’ve seen
Rhino rubbing its back
Elephant flapping its ears
Bateleur devouring a quail
Zebra smiling
Hyena laughing
Pictures to take back
to your snow-covered home
Neighbours will stare with unbelief
brothers will go green
You have stories to share
from your Africa-trip
Your journey was filled
with new experiences
surprising sights

And the discovery
of unexpected friendship.