Under an African Tree
October 28, 2012 * * * * * Posted by: guest blogger 
Under an African tree they sat. Two people, silent. Absortbed in their own thoughts. Conscious of the coolness of the shade beneath the tree and the shimmering heat beyond. Heat, cool, silence, the sounds of Africa. Peace.
They sat in silence, subconsciously listening, watching, while their thoughts drifted this way and that. They had come into the veldt to think deeply about decisions that had to be made. Two people - not born of Africa - but with Africa in their souls.
Nearby, some rocks. A jumbled heap, looking as if they had just been tipped there by some past giant who had tired of carrying them. Nature had done its best to dress them with a few plants and lichen. And long ago, some birds had dropped seeds in the crevices. After a long struggle to survive, the seeds had developed into seedlings. Now the saplings were beginning to win the battle against hardship and develop into small trees and bushes.
A slight rustle of brown grass and a dassie appeared on the rocks, moving quickly under the shade of the little African trees on the rocks. A slight nudge of one person to the other and two pairs of eyes followed the progress of the little dassie as it hopped over the rocks before it disappeared again into the deeper shade and grass on the other side.
In the distance, impala browsed. Closer, a small buck surveyed the territory, scenting the air, before leaping away.
They sat, under the tree, and watched and thought. He, back leaning against the tree, knees bent, feet flat on the dry earth. She, leaning half against him, half against the tree, legs straight. They were relaxed, away from the hustle and noise of city life. Away from the pressures and frustrations of everyday living. Away from the problems of approaching retirement. This was Africa. Sun, heat, dryness, animals, birds, space, peace. And the spreading cool shade of the African tree.
But, the families were calling - making good in Europe. Come, they called, come to the land of plenty. Come to a cottage in the country, they called. Space there, no heat, no dryness and the grass is greener. Lush green grass, fed by frequent rains. Come to us, they called, plenty of everything here, money, grandchildren visiting, social life, fast modern cars, everything you can ever need. Come, they called, we’ll take care of everything. Come. Come.
Stay, called Africa, stay. Africa is in your blood. Africa needs you, you need Africa. Stay ... go ... stay. Hearts and minds in a tug-of-war. Europe ... Africa. Rain ... drought. Cold ... heat. Noise ... peace. Pushing pushing for space ... space for everyone. Countryside ... veldt. Green grass ... brown. Europe ... Africa. Go ... stay. Decisions.
Under the African tree they sat. They watched, listened, thought. No need to talk. Attuned to each other. Talk would come later - explanations to families, friends. As they sat, they each made their decision. She reached out to take his hand. He grasped it, with a slight pressure. They looked at each other and smiled. They had come to a decision. No need for words. They knew they had each come to the same conclusion. Now they could relax - under the African tree.
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Our guest today, Sheila Eames, comes from Kent, England, and is now in her 70s, with over 50 years of marriage to the same man. The stories she could tell! She is so young at heart you can't keep her down. I met her first at Themes by Sheila, but where she thrives is at Themes Photographs & Prints. As if that weren't enough, in her spare time she sells second-hand books, does book searches for out-of-print books, and sells postcards, stamps, and ephemera at Coney Collectibles. Welcome to V&V, Sheila! We already feel like we know you from all your wonderful comments.
Africa, Decisions, Sheila Eames
Reader Comments (26)
Oh. Such a moving post. Thank you for introducing/re-introducing the charm of Africa. And, as it unfolded, how could they have chosen anything else.
What a beautiful post and story. As a one who loves quiet and space...I can't imagine that there was much of a choice or decision to be made. Love how you've put into words the push-pull...ying-yang of the process.
Thank-you - Sheila - for joining us here today!
When two become one in marriage, after so many years, Sheila, I guess it makes sense they both can come to the same decision without words. I love the way you have written this. It's like a poem. And I have a feeling a lot more stanzas could be written to continue this story!
Thank you, indeed, for joining us today in vision and verb!
What I really loved about your writing today was the dialogue which is under the blanket of silence. The words that are left to the imagination of the reader. How you have made the two individuals so full of character and integrity, and yet they haven't spoken a word. Brilliant and very moving. What happened next!!
I could smell the dassie droppings! Now, who is going to wipe the mist from my specs?
After reading of your trials and tribulations over the past few years Sheila I find this such an inspiring part of yours, and Maurice's, life together when times were so much easier. It doesn't take a lot of guessing as to what your joint decision was, but this piece does make one feel just how close the two of you still are, and long may you both remain so.
This is so lovely and filled with heart. Everything I have ever heard or read or seen about Africa is that this is how it makes you feel. And I love the quiet companionship, the thinking aloud with no words necessary. Two people as part of the landscape, together. Just beautiful.
I love this Africa, the only one I know - and I know there will come a time when we sit under our "African tree" and face a similar decision.
It never leaves you though....this continent....it's in your blood, more than your blood...its life with all its sorrows, tragedy, love, laughter and freedom; the most exquisite freedom. I look forward to knowing you more :)
A Poetic post. I've heard that Africa weaves a spell and ties soul to soil. And in your case, soul to soul.-lovely,
So lovely to read of your life with your soul mate and your lives in your beloved country ~ I bet it all has a happy ending!
This image and post are just fabulous. Very moving.
Thank you so very much for joining us today, Sheila. I was captivated with every word in your post.
Beautiful, Sheila! I've never been to Africa but I've known the tug of family and comfort v adventure and a certain kind of peace and passion. I think I can guess what the decision was in this instance.
What a beautiful picture your words portray you have left me with the vision of the two of you sitting under that tree with Africa in your souls.
Thank you Sheila, for portraying 'our' Africa. As a second generation born there, of British heritage, it is, was and always will be 'home'.
Africa really gets under your skin and lingers there, no matter how long you've lived there. What a privilege it was, to have had almost half a century there.
Thank you to everyone who has read and commented on my post today. I'm touched by your words and feelings.
I am not going to say what the decision was - only that some decisions can set in motion a train of events that lead to big bigger adventures, heartbreak and happiness, and even make dreams come true.
Lovely
so beautiful it takes my breath away:)
African born and bred am I..........still "braving it out" in these tough times in South Africa, but well worth it. After all, it's not everyone who can have 2 large thorn trees and a Coral (Lucky Bean) tree in their garden! Yes.
Sheila, when I and my husband decided to move out of the city where we lived to a small village, my colleagues at work as well as my family were shaking their heads. How could we leave all the conveniences of the city such as bus and tram stations everywhere, schools and doctors, shops and jobs... but we felt our hearts led us elsewhere. I feel this in your story, the moment of realisation where one belongs regardless of unfavourable conditions. And if there are two close souls arriving at the same realisation, what can be more magical...
Regardless of the decision what I love about this is the final moment of two life partners holding hands and knowing they both want the same! Beautiful! Thanks for joining us here at V&V and for such a wonderful post!
Africa is a continent I feel so curious about and your love for this continent makes me want to go there and visit even more. Welcome here Sheila
This is a very moving piece of writing Sheila.
Beautiful! You are an inspiration Sheila!
Such a captivating post. Beautifully written. I love the silent communication, the love.
One of my freinds from England grew up in Africa. She has been living in England for quite some time now, has a family there. But she misses Africa every single day.