High above the hills of Africa, the dark clouds of night still stretched over the village and surrounding valley. Humankind and their domesticated animals slept, but the antelope of the forest and the small, fleet-footed gazelle remained wide awake.

In a short span, early morning dew falls from ancient hills. Darkness dances with light. Misty figures hide their struggle, and the good or evil that awaits strangers. Towering trees stand like knights armed with branches and bark shields, their massive roots like fingers of a masquerade, ready to seize a victim. Further away, creatures of the night retreat to their caves and hideouts. The light must not catch them. Hunters head back home.

When the sunrise, she throws her golden blanket over the land. Hills rise with it, waking the inhabitants of the green forest. Down the valley, birds begin a chorus, strong enough to wake the heaviest sleeper. Bees, wasps buzz, crickets, hoppers quiz, and reptiles hiss; every creature has a role to play. There is joy and peace—the joy that comes with a beautiful sunny day, and peace that brings harmony between humankind and nature, which they call home.

From afar, pretty images of green submerged in the depths of earthly gray decorate the hilly scene. The smell of a flowing stream fills the air above. Hawks call to the sunrise, welcoming the daylight, and bush rodents nibble at cassava roots. The forest turns into a circus where nature plays her tricks. Tree leaves shade the streams, so when fruits fall into the quiet water, little fish scatter in excitement or fear. Waterfalls and huge rocks watch over the quiet green below. Shy crabs watch too, amused and intoxicated with water. It is dead silent in the morning except for birds building big nests in the forest. Few people go to the stream and farm. Little girls sweep their compounds, older girls weave baskets, little boys sit with their fathers, older boys visit traps, and mischievous pets run around playing. Up in the trees, monkeys muse over picking fruits. Babies yell while mothers gather materials for breakfast. Fathers chew their kola or take tobacco snuff as they prepare to visit farms. The weekend is a holiday, and the villagers know better than to disturb it.

When the sun’s heat becomes mild, the play stage is set. Children begin their games; football, cricket, chase, wrestling, high jump, sand games, and more. Women visit their friends or go to the market to buy provisions. Some men go to the beer parlour. The morning brew is ready, and they must attend to it. Palm wine is healthy, and fresh ones taste better than water. Many youths wait for noon to bathe in streams and waterfalls.

Have a story to tell? Start blogging today.

The evening was the best time for reflection. Older men and women sat quietly, thinking about the hills they call home. Sunset brought memories of the day’s stress. It brought to mind the market women, the farmers, and the fishermen. As the sun set, the hills cast their warm shadows of comfort over the valleys and the village. Birds fly home, greeting the evening as they go, lizards seek refuge in cracks and holes while owls prowl, hunting for a quick snack. The scent of cooking fills the air, and children challenge each other over the hut with the most appealing aroma. Sweet vegetable soup, garnished with periwinkle, snail, crabs, and crawfish, sits on dinner tables under the full glow and admiration of children and adults—cold water from traditional pots or freshly fetched from the spring sit nearby the dishes. Providence knew many ways to satisfy hard workers; good food was one of them. The night might bring a folktale if the mood was right. Life could be simple and sophisticated at the same time.

After evening, the cold night arrives, dew returns, and the path is lost in thick fog. The night was nobody’s friend. Quietly, lights go out in the valley. Sleep was the next act for children and adults, yet the ancient hills slept before everyone, forever. As the village slept, creatures of the night came alive. But humankind and day must retreat back home, to start the cycle all over again tomorrow.