MOON OVER GOMBE

photo by Bill Wallauer - janegoodall.org

There is a rustling in the forest tonight,

creatures moving stealthily.

 One can hear the sleepy call

of families of chimpanzees,

as last stragglers 

join the huddled mound

of elbows, heads and knees.

Night pulls

its curtain of darkness

across the wooded slopes.

Creatures lying down with danger

pray to rise at dawn with hope.

The lion padding softly

parts the grasses,

side to side.

Regal, he is the only one

who doesnt have to hide.

In the distance,

at the edge of dusk,

elephants  circle, tail to tusk.

The grandmothers will not sleep tonight,

because the babies must.

Wildebeeste passing earlier

saw the lion, and took flight;

all creatures  seeking safety

in which to pass the night.

A big old watchful tangerine  moon

slowly rises over Gombe,

every creature struck with wonder,

outlined in its amber rays.

And my heart yearns across the sea,

my only wish that I

were there, too, under the starry, 

breathing, benevolent African sky.

posted for Alan's prompt at Poetry Jam: the moon