Night-Night From Africa Poem by Frank Ian Bowen

What has Africa shown you today?
Was it colour; it's wildlife or just how to play?
What did you do in Africa's bush?
Did you take your time or did you rush?
Slow down, my friend. The animals do.
If observed with care they'll demonstrate too,
how to live life with leisure, wasting no time,
but enjoying the bushveld, like very fine wine.

Did Africa speak to you today?
Did you feel her soul? What did she say?
Did your spirit engage with that of the earth?
Did your humorous side enjoy all her mirth?
Did you smell all her perfumes? Enjoy all her charms?
Did you taste all her flavours from all of her farms?
What stories to tell you will have after this,
of adventure, excitement and Africa's kiss.

This is the place where today you have grown.
Your exposure to bushveld a seed well sown.
The sons of Africa - you are now one
This group of Africans have no need of gun
It is camera, binocular that these people bring
The wildlife so good it'll make your heart sing
Celebrate that growth with a glass of good cheer
Look forward to Africa's bounty in here.

Now is the time for you to get rest
For tomorrow, for Africa, you must look your best
Lay head on to pillow and wait for your dreams
Of lions and elephant, mules and ox teams
You'll dream of pioneering in years far gone by
and imagine you're part of it; Wait! What's that cry?
Is it Jackal? Hyena? Or wild dog d'you think?
Relax, s'just an ostrich giving mate a lewd wink! !
So tomorrow in Africa, you must dress the part
Your renewal begins with a bright early start! !

Tomorrow the sun will rise in the east
Warming the earth for Africa's feast
All nature awakens stretching its limbs
Look forward to whatever the new day brings
And you will play a small part in the show
Affecting the bushveld wherever you go
Sleep tight now, my friend, sleep deep and sleep well
That yawn you just had was your bedtime bell.

Did you see how the sun went to bed tonight?
How can such colours be painted so bright?
Did you notice the blues and the purples on hills?
Did you feel the change as temperature chilled?
Did you hear the bushveld's choir start?
Did you taste the atmosphere, the bushveld's heart?
This is sundown in Africa, you know it is true
And today she enjoyed one made better by you.