I shall miss these gentle people,

their grace and happy smiles.

Bamboo stirred by a breeze,

butterflies among the flowers.

 

I shall miss their language,

the whisper of leaves in a tree,

water splashing a fountain;

chatter of bright birds.

 

I shall miss the sound of waves –

talking to a sandy beach;

waves that speak to the ocean.

Rain to wash the air clean.

 

I shall miss the peace,

escape from a too busy world.

The tranquility in my heart –

so precious a gift.

 

 

David Garlick, Phuket, Thailand, July, 2002