Yesterday began like any other - a shimmering haze hovering over the horizon, the occasional breeze too warm to provide any relief from the oppressive October sun. Even the shade left one sticky and flustered and we all braced ourselves for yet another day of uncomfortable heat. But by late afternoon the hazy sky was changing to an ever darkening grey of clouds tumbling over each other in a hurry to reach us. The winds were cooler on flushed cheeks and hot fur. A long awaited rumbling in the distance brought in a sudden strong breeze to gather up leaves and dance down the dusty roads, tangle hair, ripple over fur and dishevel manes. The static charged air made skin tingle and muscles twitched as shivers of excitement rippled over the Sanctuary in anticipation of the impending storm. As if on queue the world went quiet. No bird sang, the cicadas silent for once. Waiting. Tap Tap tap..... Tap Big fat droplets hit the ground like meteorites, pock marking the dust. Then silence. Tap. Tap tap tap. Then suddenly it is upon us as wave upon wave of icy droplets pound the earth. Trees bend and sway with the force of the wind and water and thunder startles the air and vibrates beneath our feet. The lions bow their heads as water flattens manes and rivulets drip from soaked noses. The pigs snort with pleasure and burrow their noses into the sweet wet mud. It’s good to be out in the rain. Most of the animals prefer their shelters though and watch the downpour through a curtain of waterfalls and a spray like mist. And with the wind and the rain comes the smell of the earth - the dusty sweetness of Africa herself that poets speak of, her people live for, and the hearts of those who have moved away ache at its memory. The rains have come to Bally Vaughan.
Posted on: Fri, 17 Oct 2014 11:15:44 +0000
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