Red Grass Sunset

Leopard Cave

We reach the cave just in time,
Night descends fast here,
Venturing silently into its presence,
Our hairs stand on end,
Eager with anticipation like those before.

Darkness falls outside,
Our torches lead us,
Revealing the charcoal and ochre,
Stick men kneel before us with hands raised,
Worshipping the mighty cat,
Asking the spotted beast for protection.

The roar of a Lion is heard in the stillness,
“Don’t worry, he’s not so close.”
Another roar booms in the dark,
“But coming closer.”

My hands are out of my pockets...my knees in the dust.

Silent Guardian

Moss covered granite
Watching over the garden
Always will be

Empty

The sun shines bright,
Its warmth inside me,
Birds sing a slow song,
I try to sing with them.

My throat catches.

Darkness enfolds me,
Wrapping around in a cold hug,
My muffled voice screams,
But no-one listens.

It’s the distance to empty.

Hiking in the Drakensberg

Sheets of cascading water tumble down,

Soft whisper entices me in,

Calling me to venture further,

Through the jungle before me,

I slide cautiously down the side,

The freezing water makes me gasp,

So different to the heat of the sun,

Beating down all day,

Stifling...suffocating me,

The pool released me,

Gave my breath back,

Enclosed by the trees,

Protected by undergrowth,

A sanctuary from the sun.