A Leaf for Bongani

A Novelette

By: Claire Ishi Ayetoro

Narrated by: Briana Kennedy

In the Congo, a herd of giraffes dreams of a land of acacia trees. When the dry season comes, Bongani and his herd must move north with the rains to find it, but the Congo can be a dangerous place. Especially for giraffes. On their way, they meet old friends and treacherous foes. In the sweet lilt of poetry, this story paints a poignant image of a struggle we can all identify with. Join Bongani and his family on a wondrous journey as they travel toward their destination: a land of peace.

An excerpt:

Congo. The African sun, half hidden, dips in an orange-red haze. Thick, moist air pervades the atmosphere, and baobab trees sprinkle the savannah. The soft sound of hooves crunching emanates from the tall grass. A herd of Kordofan giraffe.

“Mama Bamidele?”

“Yes, my dear Bongani?”

“I’m tired.”

Bamidele laughs gently at her young bull.

“The sun is sinking, my dear. It will be time for rest soon. We must keep pace for now.”

Their hooves are connected to long, knobby, lanky legs. Short tails flip as the giants saunter across the savannah. The majestic creatures are unmistakable beings, with their towering necks and brown patterned bodies. Bibi Barika nudges her grandson along, bending her long neck to Bongani’s bottom.

“No time for complaining, dear Bongani,” says Barika.

Shangazi Hadiza and Binamu Izara are close in step. Their friend Ramala and her young bull Abasi join them for the length of their journey.

“Where are we going again?” questions Bongani.

“We are headed to the land of the acacia,” says Mama Bamidele.

“Where is that?”

“It is north, my dear, farther north from where we are now.”

The rainy season has come to its end. It is time to move where the rains are going—soon drought will visit where they have departed. With drought, food and water will become scarce.

Hadiza sympathizes with her mpwa. “Bongani may be forbidden to complain, but I feel his pain. I’m tired too, little one.”

Barika speaks with a look of sadness on her face, “I remember when we took this journey long ago. We had many more members and far less grumblers. But those days are far gone.”

Barika, though she looks back on old times, can wish for nothing more than to be surrounded by family and friends as she is at that moment. Times have indeed changed and are more burdensome than before. Years ago, herds had been as large as 30 or more bodies. Now, they make their trek with only seven. Nevertheless, the herd continues gracefully across the plains, making their way toward the promised land of the acacia.

©2022 Amber N. Henry (P)2023 Amber N. Henry