INTO AFRICAA Tribute to Artist and Photojournalist Dan Eldon
(9/18/70 - 7/12/93)
by Nancy McDowell
Author's Note: Dan Eldon was the youngest photojournalist ever hired by Reuters and became known world-wide for his moving photographs of an African nation torn apart by war and famine. He was on assignment in Mogadishu when he tragically lost his life. Dan Eldon was 22 years old. This is my poem honoring his life of art, photography, and compassion for the plight of others. ~ Nancy McDowell
Africa was never my itinerary,
the route clearly marked on my ancestral map of Ireland,
spread out on the floor like a patchwork quilt
so I could smooth out the crinkly creases
that never folded up the same way twice.
My eyes drifted toward Africa
and I saw your face gazing back at me
from old photographs I'd seen in books,
your hair and smile so present I felt
I could stretch my hand through time
and gently touch them.
I wanted to trace the boyish curves and lines
of your cheekbones and shoulders
now embraced only by paper borders.
I look at your journals
and colors shoot out like kaleidoscope flashes,
imprinting pictures onto my retinas.
You didn't see me watching you
through the time lens of my mind
as you worked your secret alchemy with paints and brushes,
composing with tape and glue the detritus of your day
that lay scattered on the floor,
your feet scuffing and rearranging it yet again.
Your translucent form shimmers above images
that capture your spirit like a camera.
Moving across the pages,
my fingers trekked savannas and canoed rivers
and, when I looked at them,
instead of my own whorled prints
I saw the dark contours of Africa
inked into the tips
like black tattoos that wouldn't come off.
You invite us into your fire circle
as if you are some tribal elder
imparting ancient wisdom from the gods.
I folded my map, turned away from Ireland,
and crossed into Africa.
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