Dry Wilderness (Or, The Gemsbok) Poem by Terry Dawson

Proud antelope, monarch of sands
Surveys Namib's hot, arid lands
Beholding all with practised eye
And veteran's heart that understands.

Such awful beauty draws a sigh,
With aching hearts we wonder why
Is made wild beauty so severe?
The human soul begs make reply:

In wondrous wilds beyond compare
Where passing traveler need take care
For beauty and hazard dwell in twain...
Yet blessed are they that linger there.

For wilderness, mountain or plain
Bring damaged heart to whole again
And you, proud beast with flowing mane
May long your kingdom bear your reign.