Mauritius

This island, palm-fringed, lies at peace
Garden of Eden on long lease.
True haven from our Northern clime,
Dreamlike, idyllic, lost in time.

The blue lagoon meets morning haze
The Indian Ocean's limpid ways
Bright shell, sea urchins, jellyfish;
Walking in Paradise - a risk!

Royal palms are compass points
A cascade with spray our face anoints.
Rich, loamy earth cane sugar yields
Pineapple groves, tobacco fields.

Saffron, cinnamon, curry, clove,
Nutmeg, cardamom - all implode
On jaded palate; pure white rice
Becomes alive with so much spice.

Be it Hindu temple or Buddhist shrine
Mosque or Church - all intertwine.
For films and magazines this setting
Is unsurpassed - what'er the betting!

The Rich and Famous - and we two
Find 5-star luxury is true.
The travel brochures have not lied.
Mauritians smile - it is their pride!

(Written in 2000)

(c) Poet in the woods 2014