African queens

                           QUEENS OF AFRICA 

As sunlight kisses triddimadiant skin, they shimmer like liquid gold,
Their smiles, a balm, warm even the coldest of souls.
   With graceful hips that sway like the ocean's gentle tide, they spark wonder and pride, a beauty impossible to imitate or hide.
   In the vibrant lands where ancestral drums beat deep, with music ascending to the heavens.

They dance, each step telling story that history keeps, 

Carrying heavy loads, yet moving with ease,
with grains of the earth and berries that please.
   Queens of the soil, their strength and beauty knows no bounds,
Hearts so kind, their chairfull laughter resounds, a testament to grace, resilience, and might.
They shine like stars in the African night, their essence whispers of royalty, pure and true.
  An inner beauty unmatched, in all that they do, more than a vision of beauty, they are the soul of the land,
Exceptional women, a legacy so grand. 

              THE  BUNBURY NETWORK 

Letter to the editor

 Eco-tourism, or ecological tourism, is a form of responsible travel to natural areas that focuses on conservation, environmental sustainability, and benefiting local communities. It involves exploring pristine, undisturbed environments while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

Key Principles of Eco-Tourism:

1. Environmental Conservation: Activities are designed to preserve biodiversity, ecosystems, and natural habitats.

2. Cultural Sensitivity: Respect for local cultures, traditions, and heritage is emphasized.

3. Community Involvement: Eco-tourism supports local economies by engaging and empowering communities through employment, revenue sharing, and education.

4. Sustainability: It promotes sustainable practices, such as reducing waste, conserving resources, and using renewable energy sources.

5. Education and Awareness: Travelers learn about environmental and cultural issues, fostering a deeper appreciation for the destinations they visit.

Examples of Eco-Tourism Activities:

Wildlife safaris in national parks.

Birdwatching in protected areas.

Hiking, trekking, or camping in eco-sensitive zones.

Visiting rural villages and participating in cultural exchanges.

Supporting eco-friendly lodges or accommodations.

Eco-tourism offers a way to enjoy and protect the planet while ensuring the well-being of local people and ecosystems.

A PATH LESS TAKEN

A PATH LESS TAKEN 

    As I make my way home after a long, tiring day, I decided to take a path I would not usually take. Truthfully, I did not know what I may indeed see or what this path may turn out to be.
   The tall, slender trees on each side, created a beautiful shaded path from the peeping sun. The smell of ripened fruits as they had fallen to the ground and left glistening in the sun, can be smelled from a distance. The noise of the ducks in a nearby pond is lovely to observe as they gently swim around, with insects flying nearby but not landing. A few old, abandoned buildings show their weathered age in the parts that are left standing.
   As I get closer and closer to my home and remember all the steps I have taken, I begin to think to myself that maybe it is not such a bad idea to travel a path less taken.

-- BLANE  R  BUNBURY 

I BUMPED MY FOOT

   I BUMPED MY FOOT 
   Walking along, I bumped my foot just because I had refused to look. I fell to the ground one stumble was all it took, life in this little mining town is always fast and busy. I jumped up quickly just to see what it could possibly be.
   It was a strange-looking rock just sticking out by the side of the road, and to my surprise, it turned out to be gold. With my honey-brown skin and my faded old clothes, I simply went unnoticed by all, moving around and doing whatever I supposed.I ignored everything and everyone daily, not caring about their turned-up noses and disappointed faces.
   To everyone passing in their big flashy cars, I was just the town's beggar with my few belongings and many little jars, I paid them no mind as I started to dig, and with a great big grin, I was dancing around and doing a jig.       When I got home to my little cottage in the woods safe and sound, dancing as I sang, just clowning around, so happy that my luck had finally turned around.
  --BLANE R BUNBURY 

THE ANCIENT KINGS

THE ANCIENT KINGS 
 
     Standing immovable and resolute in their naturally rugged suits, adorned with precious metals and gems that seem to make the most special of blends, they can be seen the world over ruling in grand style with the ability to bring out even the mildness of a child's smile.

     They are the mountains of old, faithfully standing bold, even sometimes gleaming with a little sparkling of gold. No matter who we are or where we may be, it is plain to see they are always a spectacle for all to see.With crowns made of clouds, bathing in sunlight, and royal robes as white as snow.

  -- BLANE R BUNBURY 

Where Heaven Meets Earth

Where Heaven Meets Earth

Just beyond the invisible line
Where heaven kisses the earth,
I will stand, steadfast,
Holding up our hope—
The hope of love,
Forever.
---- Blane R. Bunbury

LETTER TO YESTERYEAR

A LETTER TO ME OF YESTERDAY 

I want to tell you a story—your story, from a different point of view.
I was you once, the you that you see now.
The one who feels weak, uncertain, and struggles to make decisions.But listen—
You will get stronger, smarter.
You’ll be kinder and bolder, with a heart full of laughter.Disappointments will come and go,
And people’s unfavourable attitudes will surface. But it will make your growth worth it.
You will make friends and have a blast, and even find it in you to forgive the mistakes of enemies past. It won’t always be easy,
To live a life that’s good and free,
But as you grow into me, You’ll see—
Life is good, sometimes crazy, but always pure spiritual journey to freedom.

---- Blane R. Bunbury

GRANDDAD

 

 GRANDDAD 

Your beard smelled of tobacco and hints of dry wiskey,

And every visit you a brought a gift,

No matter the season, no matter the day,

You had a way of brightening my way.

Your hugs were strong, like a teddy bear's hold,

Comforting, warm, and steady as gold.

You’d crack a joke to chase my tears,

Filling my heart and quieting fears.

At times, your laughter would echo in the room,

A hearty joy that could pierce any gloomy mood. I didn’t always understand the "why,"

But your laughter was magic, lifting me high.

You loved the simple, unhurried life,

A path untouched by needless strife and stress. Your ways were strange, yet uniquely yours,

Wisdom shining through those humble eyes 

No, you weren’t perfect, but you gave your all to your family. 

In every stumble, in every call.

I’m blessed to have you, Grandpa, near,

For you’ve filled my life with love and cheer.

  Blane R Banbury