A poem inspired by a visit and a wander in the foothills of Mount Kenya.

Wander Land

With sun-seeking dragons on the porch,

Fire in tiny timber huts,

Tree-fern forests, hidden falls,

Friendly horses, lumber dogs

I’m following a rodent down a hole…

.

With elephant footprints in red mud,

Uphill, downslope trekking pleasures,

Three mountain peaks in morning mist

A hint of royalty at leisure,

I’m seeking for the Queen of Harts…

.

With peaty pools, bright sprinkled flowers,

Insect-catchers, Babel’s tongues,

Soft grazed lawns, slow flowing hours,

Birds, butterflies, a bleating goat,

I’m looking out for Alice…

.

Mount Kenya, 2022