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Open Poetry #47
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OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa

0 posted 2011-02-03 11:26 AM


AFRICA SINGS
3 November 1999

Icy mountain mornings laugh
in liquid trills.

Ridiculous puffs of fluff bounce
through powder blue eternity
hung clean with avian harmony.

Sun-painted grain whispers
earth secrets to the wind.

Minuscule desert lizards scuttle
over burning sands.

Peerneef acacias and patterned reptiles
are awash with sun.

Floods of fragile colour
splash transient petals.

Forests of a million greens
throb with woodland lives.

Yellow sands hold sleepy warmth.
Cool sapphire undulates with thundering, frothy steeds
galloping from the unfathomable depths.

It is no wonder that
Africa sings.

Owl

© Copyright 2011 Diana van den Berg - All Rights Reserved
JerryPat
Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991
Louisiana/America
1 posted 2011-02-03 12:49 PM


I had to look up peerneef acacias and wasn't able to find a description of what is is. Other than that I completely got into your poem, Owl. The people of Africa seem to have a special love for the continent, which has deep and special roots. This poem of yours bring that specialness out to me.

~ What's The Difference Between Roast Beef And Pea Soup? / Anyone Can Roast Beef. ~

passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
2 posted 2011-02-03 12:52 PM


sure makes me want to visit! Or maybe even move there
OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
3 posted 2011-02-03 02:58 PM


Thank you, Jerry, for your interest in my poem and my continent.  I adore my country, South Africa, and my continent, Africa, with a fierce passion.  I recognise that we have made many mistakes of which I am not proud – but there are multitudinous things of which I am ardently proud.  

We have many species of acacia trees indigenous to South Africa – and I have several species in my garden.  Those acacias indigenous to South Africa are all thorn trees and most of them are happiest in dryish regions.  I was referring to acacias painted by Pierneef, a South African painter whose work I love passionately.  He developed a geometric style and his acacias were umbrella-shaped and I carry, with love, a conglomerate image of many of those paintings in my mind.  A typical such painting is the one at the top of the following site:
http://www.gbu.co.za/trees/jacobhendrikpierneef.htm

Thank you, Dixie, for enjoying my poem and my continent so much.  I couldn’t live anywhere else.  I can list many reasons why it is the best place in the world.  

Owl

faithmairee
Senior Member
since 2011-01-05
Posts 1441
Poe Haven, USA
4 posted 2011-02-03 09:48 PM


I've never been to Africa but you make it sound so attractive.  A finely penned poem!

There must be a poem in here somewhere.

JerryPat
Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991
Louisiana/America
5 posted 2011-02-03 10:05 PM


What a beautiful tree is the acacia, Owl. and down at the bottom of that link you sent me to was a painting, or drawing of the thorn tree showing its roots, where he would like to be buried. Interesting man and great artist.

~ What's The Difference Between Roast Beef And Pea Soup? / Anyone Can Roast Beef. ~

latearrival
Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499
Florida
6 posted 2011-02-04 03:41 PM


Africa sings, yes indeed, when shown under your pen and love for your country. I did  go to all those lovely sites and see your famed tree. The prints and paintings were  very enjoyable.Thank you.  
OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
7 posted 2011-02-04 03:55 PM


Thank you, Faith.  It is a magical continent, full of good and bad, but for those who put their feet on it, its magic will draw you back forever.

Thank you again, Jerry.  Thank you for your interest in and enjoyment of the link.

Thank you, latearrival.  I love introducing people to the magic of Africa.  I am glad you too enjoyed the link.  

Owl

steavenr
Member Elite
since 2003-11-17
Posts 4058

8 posted 2011-02-04 04:25 PM


read this earlier and thought I had left a comment...then I realized that I got distracted by "peerneef acacias" (led me to another site where I had the pleasure of reading more of your work)...got to take another look at it today and still enjoyed
OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
9 posted 2011-02-04 05:17 PM


Thank you very much Steaven for your kind words and interest in my country and my continent (both of which I only co-own with millions of others - smiles) and my poetry.  I am very curious as to what other site you found me on.  Please tell me which it was.

Owl

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