I. Lion
Expectant black to watchful grey
Then bleeding streaks of red
A regal roar to break the day -
The pride has killed and fed
A shaggy mane in silhouette
Content to strut and purr
Across the plains of Africa
The wild and wary stir
II. Giraffe
Pink-purple bruises blotch the sky
Then heal to soothing blue
Green feathered leaves, a long lashed eye
Amidst the thorny dew
An outstretched neck with velvet spots
Intent to reach and browse
Acacia trees of Africa
Extend their welcome boughs
III. Rhinoceros
Fierce-fiery eye of golden white
Looks down with withering gaze
Half-blinded beasts escape the light
Their shapes a shimmering haze
A horn-cursed head dips low to charge -
Vain bid to stay alive
Great sanctuaries of Africa
Fight battles to survive
IV. Buffalo
Puce-pregnant clouds to thunder storm
Then swathes of orange blush
A jostling mass of muscled form -
The knot becomes a crush
A head-flick scoop on spear-sharp horns
Inflicts a fatal blow
Migrating herds of Africa
Maintain the ebb and flow
V. Elephant
Dry-dusty sand to muddy pool
Then slurp and splash and spray
A trumpet squeal of blissful cool -
The herd’s come out to play
A flap of ears, a trunk raised high -
It’s time to take roll-call
Wild watering holes of Africa
Quench creatures great and small
— Wayne Visser