Another fine poem composed by Nancy who has been a long term participant in our weekly philosophy discussion gathering.  The poem reflects experience of game spotting in East Africa.  Nancy mentioned that the animals are becoming scarce as their habitat is taken by encroaching human population.

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SONG OF THE SAFARI

Though many creatures here I see,
Their numbers never will compare
With that uncounted quantity
Of Animals That Are Not There.

If I, in my audacity,
Point to the guide, “Giraffe!”, beware —
‘Twas just a broken branch and tree,
An Animal That Wasn’t There.

The dappled sunlight magically
Creates a leopard as I stare.
A twisty log’s apparently
A kudu That Was Never There.

A stone’s a buffalo to me;
And shadows, elephants.  My prayer
Becomes my private fantasy:
The Animal That Isn’t There.

Though real concealed beasts there must be
That I ride past, all unaware,
There’s one I know I’ll always see:
The Animal That Isn’t There.

–Nancy C. Gates Meyer  Oct. 7, 1987