Happy Easter to those who celebrate and a big welcome to the holidaymakers.
Human Rights Day was celebrated last Friday, but here is a piece by local resident Frances Reynolds that has to be shared. (This was also her contribution to World Poetry Day):
Flag
The colours of my country are blue and green and white,
Golden yellow, red and black,
All angular and bright.
The blue of deep and silent sea, and of unending sky,
The flowers on the hillside far,
The purple mountain high.
The green of grass and growing things, of forests standing tall,
And quiet pools in leafy glades,
And gardens big and small.
The scudding white of clouds, in sky all tempered red and gold,
The crested waves of lacy seas,
That break in foamy folds.
The blazing yellow of the sun and golden sheaves of wheat,
The sandy shimmer as the dunes
Evaporate in heat.
The red of evening sunset, of sand and grapes and wine,
Of coral trees, and leaves that turn
To autumn on the vine.
The deep dark blackness of the night that holds the Southern Cross,
Of coal and rocks, and shades of skin,
Of eyes, and stripes, and spots.
The vibrant colours of my land, my Africa, my soul,
They paint the inside of my mind,
And help to make me whole.
The colours on this palette then a masterpiece should make,
But colours clash, and now conflicting
Images create.
The red of blood, of gaping wounds, of violence, crime and death.
The black of guns, of burning streets, and
Illness’ dying breath.
The yellow of disease, of liver, lung, and eyes and skin,
The blue of pain, of loss and tears,
Of hurt and suffering.
The silver of barbed wire loops, of fences, gates, and walls,
Of burglar bars, and armoured cars,
And multi-locking doors.
Blue flashing lights on cars at night, the ambulance’s red,
The leathered, weathered, begging hands,
No job, no home, no bread.
They bleed into each other on the canvas of my mind,
Creating darkened shadows on
The images behind.
Yet, under grey-hued patches lie the colours, clear and bright,
Still waiting there to be restored
And brought into the light.
Save the dates:
* March 31: TC Robertson Nature Reserve celebrates its grand opening from 09:00 to 17:00.
* April 6: The Rec Club Market day at Relton Hall, Pennington, from 09:00 to 12:00.
* April 7: The Clansthal seasonal craft market from 09:00 to 14:00 at 111 Pig n Whistle Drive, Clansthal. There are resident dogs, so please no visiting dogs.
* April 13: The Scottburgh Lions Club is holding a charity golf day. For further information contact 087 1501312.
HAVE YOUR SAY
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