d’Verse
Dora’s prompt is as follows: “For your first poetics challenge of the year, I’d like you to dip your word-brush into Bishop’s poetic inkpot, as it were, consciously incorporating accuracy (detail), spontaneity (immediacy), and mystery (revelation) to write your own original poem.“
I chose to model my poem on The Moose which you can read here: https://poets.org/poem/moose
You can read other poet’s poems here: https://dversepoets.com/2026/01/06/poetics-borrowing-bishop/
CFFC
Dan’s photograph prompt this week is full or empty. I’ve woven these photographs into the poem. You can join in CFFC here: https://nofacilities.com/2026/01/05/full-or-empty-or-both-cffc-jusjojan/
The Leopard
In the brackish and lush wetlands
where the warm and salty Indian Ocean
meets the fresh water uMfolozi River
a meandering estuary characterised by
significant sediment and sand deposition
resulting in extensive sand dunes
and marine deposits from ancient sea retreats
***
Here, the foaming waves ride roughshod
over the vast expanses of golden sand
interspersed with black streaks of titanium
the beach wears a dark almost metallic sheen
basking brightly in the rays of the morning sun
heavy clouds fat with rain scud across the sky
***
Cloying fragrance of sweet acacia trees
adorned with yellow pom-pom flowers
hiding lethally long and sharp thorns
dance on the soft wind, vying for attention
with the bright yellow Portia Tree flowers
sheltering under their perforated leaves
***
Shallow, murky lakes occupied by pods
of lazily lounging hippos, heads resting on backs
reminiscent of humans relaxing after a picnic
slight change of water currents disturbs
thick layer of sunken feces and sediment
suddenly, the water boils – is it tea time?
***
On faded tarmac slick with drizzling rain
past trees and bushes home to much
including the fiercely protective tailor ants
who stitch together living leaves to create
a complex nest; larvae silk doubles as strong thread
their large, red bodies vibrating with rage
***
The nature enthusiasts ooh and aah
stretches of shimmering water filled
with pale lilac waterblommetjies
their golden centres raised sunwards
surrounded by vibrant green pads
that serve as stepping stones for birds
***
African jacana, its feathers a rich auburn
opens it bright blue beak and cries
skating across the water, long toes outstretched
“I don’t like it,” the UK visitor declares
“It looks like a spider as it runs along”
I think, Isn’t nature clever, what an amazing bird
***
And then I see a flash of green on brown
“It’s a painted reed frog,” our guide grins
his pleasure at my enthusiasm evident
pointing, he shows us two other tiny frogs
one lurking on a plant with which it blends
another splatted with vivid yellow spots
***
Safari vehicle starts up, roar invading the peace
it lurches down the lumpy, bumpy road
“Stop! Stop!,” I cry, “it’s a Senegal Coucal,”
red eyes searching for its favourite meals
of caterpillars, insects, and small vertebrates
it’s gorgeous in black, chestnut and creamy white
***
Rounding a corner – what a magnificent sight
a male kudu with a splendid pair of corkscrew horns
nonchalantly, he gives himself a scratch
before settling down to his morning snack
of leaves, vines, shoots, flowers and pods
a splendid example of a southern African antelope
***
A bakkie approaches from the opposite direction
driver stops, face flushed red, eyes sparkling with joy
“There’s a young leopard just down the road”
she imparts this message with much enthusiasm
I keep my hope at a low ebb, so much thick bush
it’s unlikely we’ll spot it again, no doubt he’s gone
***
Rounding the corner, oh, what a splendid sight
young male leopard saunters casually onto the road
emerging from the dense bush like a vision
cameras whirr and cell phones click, click, click
yellowish coat covered in dark, rose-like rosettes
highlighted against the wet shimmer of the road
***
Reaching the other side, he turns to look
at this still metal box filled with silent watchers
amber eyes consider us for a thrilling moment
then, disinterested, he turns away
a flick of white tipped tail and he’s gone
no-one speaks, stunned by our good luck
roberta-writes.com 