Belgian Expedition in trouble.

We have lost our way

Sad to say so

Belgian funded expedition

Struggling through dense

Congo jungle

With intent to reach the

Atlantic shores.

Large mammal presence

Is said to be thriving there

And content.

Even playful.





We bring with us

Biologists, photographers

Meteorologists and trackers.

To take account.

And to watch out for each other.





But the jungles have turned us in circles

Our compasses baffled.

The skies hidden.

Our skin ravaged by insects

Our sleep tormented by screams

Of the hunt, night birds.





Also haunted by the prospect of

Slithering, constricting visitors.

One kill and they can

Sleep for months.





With all the progress leading

Up to this late summer of 1894

One might think that

We would manage

Better than this.

The Geographical Society command better.

Hhhmmm.

Bring on some sleep.

Please.

Three native bearers keep watch.

Stout hearted chaps.