Solitary Island

The ship sailed forth through battered grey storms, "stay below deck," in firm tones he ordered, "take a blanket, make coffee and keep yourself warm." It ventured onwards with its goal in mind, a beautiful island for me alone. I slept in short naps of hours, till finally it spoke and told me to "arise, come up on deck and see with your eyes, the sun, the cutting blue sky." I breathed in salty sea air, looked about, I was slightly scared, to be so alone and far from home. "Go on," he chided, so I obeyed and swam in warmest water to the shore of sand between my toes.

I waved and smiled, I wished him well, as he disappeared over the bar between sky and sea. My heart was glad of such beautiful surroundings, quiet noises of nature, soothing sounds, colours pure in tropical painting. I found a shade to sit and contemplate, underneath, tall coconut trees. There were no voices to hear and confuse, to lead astray to lie, betray, just my own words to fathom and straighten, among thoughts of a weary troubled mind. Gently the mechanics of thought drew breath, they came to rest, blank pages were before me, to start again, with new titles and headings, hopeful beginnings.

The wind picked up and coconuts fell, two or three at my feet, I picked one up and pierced on sharp rock, to drink to quench my thirst with coconut milk, it was a new taste from a new experience, something fresh to put down on my page. I banged hard the shell it fell to pieces before my eyes, I felt destructive, rather guilty, but looked to the trees and there were plenty more, the flesh was delicate, glistenning white, easing my hunger of its needs. The day was hastening, night time peeking, I thought to protect myself from the elements, I quickly made a makeshift bed, with a roof of palms over my head. I sat and watched the sun sink low, the stars coming out among velvety blanket, above my head, how trivial now my thoughts had been, when I gape in awe at such unending splendour.....