THE PLIGHT OF THE BRAAMFONTEIN STREAM

Taking Rivonia all the way up to Witkoppen Road, turning left into Witkoppen, just a couple of blocks up the hill is the Braamfontein stream. Don’t be on the look out for signage to this nature’s reserve gracing such populated area: the sign is laying on the ground. What until recently was a favorite outing to families and nature lovers alike, is being flatten by heavy building machinery.

First some drifters took the time to hang plastic bags from all the shrubs, and a week later the parties of cyclists and horse riders that used to take hikes in the area on lazy Sundays were replaced by a logging team, cutting down young green trees. Concerned neighbors were told the area had become “too ugly” on account of the plastic bags.

Rumors of an eccentric wanting a house right on the river bank have been replaced by rumors of an off-ramp to the nearby highway. Are we then to conclude that a government that has made it a point to be outspoken regarding a responsible approach to environmental issues finds it necessary to dry-up a section of a river because they can’t find a less destructive spot for one off ramp? I doubt it!

When I approached them and asked “What is going on?” I was told “We know what is going on…”. When I asked, “What are you doing here?” I got “You will see …”. When I commented that the community had not been consulted, I got an obscene gesture, and finally when I said “You can not do this…” – I was told: “Watch us!”

So here I am feeling helpless, while this unnecessary destruction of a complex habitat progresses against the wishes of all stakeholders. I appeal to you the readers for guidance and suggestions if you have them.
July 2008

The friendliest rivers

 

The friendliest rivers I’ve ever met are the rivers of Africa
Breathtaking beauty against the background
of singing birds, cricking insects
and fresh running water.

Mysterious nymphs entice passer-byes
Hidden behind young trees
Lined in strict formation by your shore
And the sparkles of magic.

An army of mice forget their bravery
In the warm protection of your embrace
While my friends the snakes make their home in your shrubbery
And the beauty of your colors.

And the courage you showed
Saving my life from treacherous bullets
Foolish attackers ambushing me by your side
And the wonder of your force.

Rivers of Africa
Turning bright red with innocent blood
At the hands of a few misguided fools
Hungry for powers.

Rivers of Africa don’t let them take
Your soul away
Rivers of Africa
Your singing keeps us sane.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Diversity

The cute self-consciousness of rodents
The warm loyalty of dogs
The gracefulness of cats
Keep them in mind

The intelligence of birds
The wisdom of snakes
The playful comfort of apes
Keep them in mind

Acknowledge them their love could pull you through
These trying times.

The integrity of elephants
The courage of lions
The excellence of mermaids
Keep them in mind

The vulnerability of gazelles
The team spirit of hyena
The conviction strength of zebras
Keep them in mind

And if their dwindling numbers
could suggest global indifference
Earth is also their home
And we sure need their perspective

The dawn of a new era
Could start when the rights
To respect and dignity
Apply to all species

Keep them in mind, Keep them in mind.
September, 2008.

The generosity of cows
The competence of pigs
The fortitude of horses
Keep them in mind

Keep them in mind, keep them in mind
The resilience of insects …
Keep them in mind, keep them in mind
October, 2009.

Maddie's Song

This is a story of greed and lies
Bad combination
Of gnomes being led astray
Machiavellic Maddie controlling a game board

Oh Maddie – trained in the ways
Of the west and the east
England, US and the Arab World
Sources of knowledge

Psychology of Nations was the major
Influencing and controlling
The minds of so many
Who is going to save us now?

This is a story of greed and lies …

And after 50 years when
Dysfunctional is the norm
Conflicting couples hold the world in peril
By missile under her counseling

Today miscommunication could result
In missiles to the Moon
or nuclear heads to the Sun
No end to the despair under her guidance.

This is a story of greed and lies …

Look around you
See how the world has changed
The good times of your parents
Seem now foolish by her mark

Oh Maddie – twisted society our of shape
Her influence unsuspected and unchallenged
Come forward
Take your credit for our madness.

This is a story of greed and lies …

Oh Maddie – fuelling complexes that recently led
To the genocide of thousands of rat people
And the slaughter
of the giant earthworms.

Let go Madeleine
Stop playing mind games
Finally exposed, trapped in your ambition
Move on! Find some happiness.

This is a story of greed and lies …
January 2009

Autum

Many of the streets
Have dressed-up with carpets of leaves.
Gardens proudly showing
a new color scheme.

Trees going from green
To novel geometrical bi-color patterns.
Perfect green alongside the deepest yellow
All the way to the sky.

Other trees showcasing
all the different shades of copper
In preparation to the disrobing
That will expose the beautiful shapes of the naked branches.

Autumn in English, Fall for the Americans
A gentle time of transformation
With delicious grapes in our tables
And dahlias coloring our vases.

Kitchens full of new smells,
As some old warm favorites begin to emerge
And traditional housewives
Give final touches to jams and preserves.

The Sun has been missing
The call of the rooster; while I am
still searching for the perfect spot to admire its rise,
now that the show has shifted to a brand new angle.

Hi there, Autumn, we Welcome you.
April, 2007.

Dawn’s Waltz

My photo of the Sunrise through the trees.

 

Good Morning, Have a Good Day, 
Good Morning Have a Good Day: 
Look at the World, 
it is full of potential 
full of promise like a new born. 

Dawn give us her beauty as a gift 
with her delicate colours 
The silver of the night 
blends with the golden of the new sun. 

Can you SMELL the early morning 
the air with lower levels of pollution
the smell of drew in the crispy air 
unique parfum full of earthly promises. 

Can you HEAR the new morning 
the warm chippings of the early birds 
the lazy sounds of Earth and its creatures 
getting ready for another day of work.  
 
LOOK at the beauty of the sky 
the early sun chasing away the night 
contrasting colours of a most amazing painting 
sometimes you can even trace every ray. 

Good Morning, Have a Good Day, 
Good Morning, Have a Good Day: 
Look at the World, it is full of potential 
full of promise like a new born.