I first posted this on Balla Balla's "Africa O Africa" thread, but by e-mail was asked to post it and so not to hijack his thread and the great poem that Peter shared with us.



I guess I'm egotistical enough to do so, so here goes...



I certainly can't give everyone a gift, so, after reading Peter's contibution, I wrote this little poem to express my sentiments with the hope that you folks might enjoy it. I also use this opportunity to wish a very merry Christmas to all and hope that Peace beyond all understanding is God's gift to you this special season:



It's entitled:



"We Are Hercules?"



A blood red moon

That pales to orange

Then lights to whitest bright,



A lion's roar

That fills the night

Likewise my primal soul,



A fire ring glow

The Southern Cross,

The hippo's grunt, I hear.



A nervous bark

A bushbuck's last

As chui's deed is done.



These joys now far,

But heart still there

I dream and dream for more.



Forever bound

One drink can't slake

This cup, a siren's land



My fate is cast

By lotus bite

My fleece is Africa

Bravo! Well done Ernest. Thanks, and a Merry Christmas to you and yours.

I am the fellow that sent you the Christmas letter- - enjoyed your poem-have a great Christmas and we can talk more in the new year!

Judge,

You are far too talented with your hunting stories and now odes to not publish something in book form someday.