The Call of Africa

C. Emily-Dibb

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When you've acquired a taste for dust,

the scent of our first rain.

You're hooked for life on Africa,

and you'll not be right again.

Till you can watch the setting moon 

and hear the Jackal's bark

and know they're around you,

waiting in the dark.

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When you long to see the Elephants,

or hear the Coucal's song.

When the moonrise set your blood on fire, 

You have been away too long.

It's time to cut the traces loose

and let your heart go free.

Beyond that far horizon,

where your spirit yearns to be.

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Africa is waiting...come!

Since you've touched the open sky

and learned to love the rustling grass

and the wild Fish Eagle's cry

You will always hunger for the bush,

for the Lion's rasping roar,

to camp at last beneath the stars

and to be at peace once more.

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