I quit my bed and pace the lonely shore.
Just three-toed stalk of ibis marks the sand.
I call to mind those halcyon days before,
While slowly dawn re-claims the sleeping land.

The grey clouds merge to soft seductive blush,
And soon the sun tints all with lambent flame.
The birds awake and break the palliative hush,
While splendour in the East the gods proclaim.

The casuarinas whisper in the breeze.
A flock of birds swoop out and wheel as one.
The pungent seaweed’s stench my memories tease,
While all around the miracle is done.

But I am mindful there of none of this,
For love has claimed me with its first sweet kiss.