Rondevlei

I returned to Rondevlei today,
Far too long I'd stayed away,
Each stride, relaxed, a hide I'd gain,
Steps now pleasant, after pain.

Forty pelicans in formation flying,
Sentry blacksmith plovers crying,
How this nature nurtures me,
When from society I flee.

A clan of cormorants at rest,
Roosting ibis start to nest,
A young flamingo curled asleep
While boubous through the rough grass creep.

Nineteen Night Herons with their brood,
In their favourite neighbourhood,
Carp on shallow grasses grazing,
Hippopotamus forever lazing.

Pied Kingfisher and Malachite,
Swooping down, dive out of sight
Attacking faster than the eye can see,
To catch a fish for their morning tea!

 
by Judith Miller