Have you ever been to Africa?
And heard the insects sing?
Sitting round the braai,
Under the midnight sky

When all around is tranquil
After the storm has passed
You can see the firefly
Dancing very fast

If you sit and listen
You will hear the crickets
Hidden in the thickets
Of the thick Rhodesian bush

Sitting oh so quietly -
Watch the billowing smoke
You’ll hear the frogs mask
the sounds of nature
With their endless croak

Hear the Christmas beetle sing
Darting here and there
As they briskly rub their wings.
Notice their amazing colours
Iridescent in the night

Then a mozzie buzzes by your ear
And you will realise
This can only be the joys of
Africa

© Jackie Snowdon
October 2002