One of the more interesting hypertext poems I've come across. Every sentence is a link instead of a couple words here or there. Still trying to map everything out. Definitely loops in places.
I think this a more clear example of emergence than Zimoun's work. From the Game of Life, you can easily see how very very simple rules can generate very complex behaviors. While Zimoun's pieces were also governed by very strict rules (physics), I don't think patterns or the ability to perfectly replicate behavior can be achieved because there are so many variables at play.
Here is a link to actually play the game. Try out some of the starting position mentioned in the wiki!
http://www.bitstorm.org/gameoflife/
I'm thinking that while we may think that the environments in Africa may be a problem, the kinds of possibilities that arises from those rules may be more elegant than those we are starting to ponder. Instead, the harsh environment is an enabler of sorts.