Love is a complex noun.
It is no more of a thing than the whisper of the wind through golden grass
Or the way that the light falls, dappled through a leafy canopy on the sand of a riverbed
It can sometimes be felt in the gentleness of the rising light of dawn
Or in the warmth of the morning sun on your face as you move in meditation over this landscape
Love is untouchable, just as the horizon that swells out – vast – in front of you
Or the iridescence of the feathers of the sunbird as it feeds on the sweetness of life
It lives in the rich, reflective texture of a leopard’s coat
And in the folds and fissures of the bark of an ancient Leadwood tree
Love is suspended in the sharp inhalation when the beauty of wilderness takes your breath away
Or in the weightlessness of a Bateleur eagle riding the thermals in the sky
Every so often, it can be witnessed in the quiet, elated celebration of shared experience
And in the moments of connection that transcend man and beast
It lives in the stories of the forest and in the song of the trees
Who hold both life’s experience of long ago and the promise of the future
It is in the heaviness of purple clouds before a summer downpour
And in the lightness of song and exhalation as this landscape receives rain
Love is tucked into a look as you catch each other’s eye
while the fire dances – free and unburdened – between you
It lives in the tapestry of the people who give themselves to the awakening
Through service. Through mastery. Through humour.
It lives in silence
It lives in joy
It lives in beauty
It lives in belonging
Perhaps this is what we mean when we say
With love from Londolozi?
When all is said and done, perhaps love can only be heard in the deep, guttural call
of a leopard walking through the night
Or in the timbre of a beautiful voice as it serenades you,
twisted together with the strum of a guitar in firelight
softly into the night
under the expansive
and all consuming
African sky
Cover of First Class by Londolozi Ranger, Ross Cheshire. Thank you to Rainbow Kitten Surprise for the beautiful inspiration.With love from Londolozi this Valentine’s Day
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Amanda, thank you for the lovely
Wow! Talented young man indeed.
Thank you so much Amanda for the beautiful poem about love and congratulations to Ross for serenading us with such a poignant song, reminding us how love exists in many different forms and places. I’ve missed music around the campfire and am so looking forward to April when once again we can all gather together after a full day of many experiences, to share stories and music! Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you.
Wow what a beautiful tribute, thank you. We are always deeply moved with our being able to share in that love. So looking forward to experiencing it again in March
Amanda, Thanks for sharing the beautiful song! We are looking forward to more magical nights under the stars at Londolozi – and hope to see you too!
Thanks for sharing!
Magical! Well done Ross!
Happy Valentines day to those who have found their significant other.
For those who may be interested, the club footed “Ubuso Ndhzenga” male has succumbed to his injuries.
RIP KING!
Wonderful poem thanks. Londolozi is the perfect place to have romance.
I am in love with my recent Londolozi experience. I felt peace and love as big as the African sky. A song from the campfire warms my heart. Thank you for sharing that tender moment.
Thank you for this lovely serenade
Wow beautiful Mands! Nothing like love under the African sky
Thank you, with tanto amore ❤️
WELL Done Ross! You have a good voice. Maybe a Co-Lab with James Henry..