Like a dark triangle against the sky
The island stood out strong and bold.
As the boat came nearer to the shore
The land we had left became indistinct.
Oh wondrous paradise this Kapiti,
This haven for our native birds.
All pests removed and deeply natural
Only man’s thoughtlessness can pose a threat.
We stepped ashore and scrunched on pebbles
To reach the steep and winding path which led to wonderland.
How deep the shade among the trees
Leaves just glinting from the filtered sun.
The native birds wore perfect camouflage
To tease the searching eye,
But once attuned they appeared
As if by magic from their leafy puzzle.
Oh glorious native pigeon – all
Green and white and purple – so plump
And large upon your branch
Tis no wonder you were food
For hungry man and beast
When long treks were made through
Dense forbidding undergrowth.
The kiwi was in his burrow
Waiting for nightfall to strut
Among the leaf litter on the ground,
But the little black robins kept
Apace with these large bi-peds.
The fantails darted around our heads
To catch the insects on the wing.
The cheeky wekas waited at the picnic table
Ready to launch an all out
Assault upon the sandwiches.
Meanwhile the bellbirds chattered
With the tuis in their tree top canopy.
Deep, deep silence among the trees
A tangible but fragile thing to
Be chipped away by tweets and twitters
In all their variations.
A magic day in a magic place,
But then the boat returned for us
And now the wayward mind
Struggles to forever hold the memory.

Silverdays,what a well thought out piece of prose,and I hope you will treat us to more? Your description was so good,I felt I was on that boat with you.

Gee Bee, We do seem to have some things in common. Please check out my website. http://www.headandart.net. Regards Silverdays.