A Speech, by the South African Sky

I entice you to move through mist,

And tiptoe among the veldt.

Come behold what you can see

Only on a day’s journey.

 

You squat low to spy bush art,

And wonder how my light

Struck rock and

Caused color to crumble.

 

You chase me running barefoot

To catch my shadow

As I dive with pinks and grays

Into the sinking sea.

 

You follow me into the water,

Mourning my death, flailing in my tears.

And then you surrender. Flat on your back,

Arms spread wide, finally at rest.

 

You find my love letter written

With stars.

Don’t rush your read.

Beloved. Be at rest.

 

Until I startle you like an angel.

Rousing you from your slumber.

Awake! The animals stir,

The birds are falling in love again.

 

As I trekked across the Drakensberg range, swam in the Indian Ocean at Tinly Manor, drove along Chapsman Peak, climbed Table Mountain, surfed Muizenberg and crossed the Nelson Mandela bridge, I fell in love…I fell madly in love with South Africa’s sky. Dramatic. Generous. Tempestuous. Enchanting. Day and night, it has so much to say.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.” Psalm 19:1-2