This is the rhino that almost charged us in South Africa. He is not part of my immediate family or an ancestor, but I thought he deserved a mention for doing the decent thing and letting us survive.

Walked into Norwich this morning to change 400 Rand back into sterling: just over £26! I shall try not to spend it all in riotous living.

SAFARI

At the angle between
rhino and my oh so fragile body
crouches the ranger

He makes strange noises
motions me to place a thin tree
between myself and the
unaccommodating beast, then

gestures, like Gandalf
with snake stick, wand, light sabre

holds firm, speaks
rhino language

The beast listens,
its tiny eyes fixed,
considering its options, then

with its eloquent foot
stirs up the dust
from which we are made

feels it has made
its point