I dreamt of Africa.
A cottage beneath the biggest bluest sky of all.
Expansive vlei out front, endless fields behind.
Wild neighbors far too shy to show.

I dreamt of solitude.
A place of perfect quiet.
Of lapping water and timid birds.
Of long, long walks across the veld.

I dreamt of comfort.
Crackling fires and broad, soft sofas.
Of timber table tops, first planed centuries ago.

I dreamt of deep, hot baths.
And still, dark nights.
Where silence lulls and soothes.

I dreamt of all this and now that it’s real,
my dream has somehow changed…

I want the world to know my peace of Africa
but, on the other hand,
I’d like to keep it all to myself.