The seas and their ways
Today it’s so mild and mellow
Smooth ride with gentle rocking that induces sleep
Calm and serene with the sun
Streaming through the heavy-laden clouds.
No sign of rain, no wind and no storm
Anywhere in the vicinity
Yet memories of rising waves
Challenging the hull of the boat
Spraying vengeance on board
Giving a bath at an unexpected moment
The kids today have their play
The Joy of victory at the interschool rugby
They had been to Tavieuni church grounds
Having their food well provided for
By the organisers
The non-rainy months
Give full expression to sports
Between Vanua Levu and Taveuni
Rabi is not far, and Napuka yonder
Is hiding the Vudu point
The Meridian passes unnoticed
Through the island, but living on the same day
By dint of habit and custom,
Or unaware of such norms
Who decides what day and what time?
Other than your own choice?
What’s normal for the others
Is an exception every day out here.
Placid waters want to lie still
Seeking the stillness eludes it.
Passing through the gulf that brings
All four currents to a mutual embrace
Such a place could be heaven for once and hell for another
When it’s good, it’s good, and wham, violent, terribly so
This gentle rocking is reminiscent of the nights
In the cradle, way too old yet having
The comfort by dint of being the youngest, still
The need to keep a wailing boy quiet
The creaking sound of the ropes
Once the lullaby ends and sleep quietly awaits
No wobbling and no rocking, just plain drift
The drool of the engine tells you that it’s
Not a plane, and the view is like taxiing on water,
Except for the engine sound
The students in their world
Of attention-seeking
Being eagerly engaged
In conversations.