The Answer

My son, you never asked for money; I gave it gladly. You never asked for love; I gave it
with all my heart and soul. We went through hard times in the early years and you never
complained. You once asked me what values I had learned in life, and I could not answer.
Now, my memory is not what it used to be, and before it fades completely, I would like to
answer that question.

As a young soldier during the 1970's, I was sent to a remote camp in what was then
known as South West Africa. It was the rainy season. In the camp was a gravel landing
strip dangerously close to the rising waters of the Chobe River. One evening I stood
guard beside two Dakota's when several tormented cries blasted my ears. I crept around
the aircraft and came upon the magnificent site of a hippopotamus cow giving birth.

The crown and torso of her calf slopped into the water. Tears streamed down my cheeks.
I came here to kill, not to witness birth, and as dusk settled into the quiet fear of night I
learned the value of life as only nature can teach.

Louis Harris

Your comments will be appreciated. Please take a few moments to submit them here

Please use the back-button on your browser to return to the submissions page, or click Home

Name	Comment	Date
Erna	Lovely!	2007-09-29
Mandy	Louis, I have just been on a long trip to the Kalahari desert and your piece brings back some of the thoughts I had there. Nature can be so beautiful (your description depicts that so well) and also so cruel.	2007-10-10
James	A very disturbing piece that will touch anyone who has lifted a weapon in anger. So many were/are forced to go against their own beliefs and Mother Nature. Touching. Points 3 - Very promising piece of writing	2008-01-16