Poetic Presentation

During the GVI's last get together trip in Mapungubwe all of the current volunteers gave a presentation about their time with the program so far.  Romayne (Sea Cow....don't ask!) gave her presentation about her first 6 months in Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the form of a poem.  With her permission I thought I would share it with everyone and how amazingly it expresses how she has grown to love her park.  Enjoy!

A heartbeat pulsates from granite deep

And echoes times that can’t repeat

Mystery, mastery, spirit and grace

Envelopes life’s rhythmic pace

A soul so silent, so strong

Shall not be taken, shall not be gone

Landscapes, colours, all of creations glory

Woven together in the ultimate love story

Every need, desire, every answer given, no pieces missing

Why wasn’t anyone listening?

Did they not see we honestly had it all

But through greed’s destruction we are poised to fall

And plummeting with us the innocent too

Who knowing no better are denied the chance to choose

How will they ever understand the riches they stand to lose

Their identity and their truth

So together we shall unite, cross borders, oceans, histories and cultural divide to teach and learn with sense and pride

We seek a remedy, a solution, a cure

That lies within the young and pure

At first they come unknowing, blinded by petty fads and distractions

And this is why we must take action

Open their eyes, immerse them in sound, reach to touch, sweet scents and treasures found

Holding them gently and guiding them through

Experiences wonderful, experiences new

Their eyes now dance alive and bright

In the glow of the firelight

Filled with enthusiasm, knowledge, passion and power

The seed has been planted and the plant starts to grow

A flower blooms

And now they know

Ben, I’m sorry if these ramblings don’t exactly fit your brief

It’s not my intention to cause you trouble or grief

These heartfelt thoughts are all that I feel

And I promise you they are abiding and real

But in fearing that I may be left out in the cold

I’ll do my best to come back to the fold

Months have passed since I touched down

But I’m still waiting for my feet to hit the ground

I am bewildered by the sheer beauty, majesty and grace

Of this timeless, ancient place

Between climbing mountains

Crossing streams

And grasses gently swaying in the breeze

We have Stones & Bones, the Orientation Slideshow too

Themedia Triandra, Miscanthidium and thatch grass as well to name just a few

I’ve learnt about mudstone, sandstone and can even see a dyke

All of this just by taking a hike

Stripes, horns, hooves and claws

Feathers, scales, fur and paws

The recipe for my work is a simple one

As simple as day’s break with the rising sun

An ounce of knowledge, a good splash of passion

Wrapped in tenderness and compassion

Learners arrive not really knowing what they’re in for

But are soon captivated by nature’s wonders and riches galore

And as shadows lengthen in the fiery sunset

I stop for a moment just to draw breath

And here in the quiet and solitude I stand

Knowing how grateful I am to be here in this land

To be able to be here, and do what I love

I can only tilt my head and thank the good Lord above.

-Romayne Malcolm

GVI Volunteer - Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Poetic Presentation