I've been walking the paths of paradise
with a pen sheathed in peace,
the case, once so stiff and formal,
slowly softening with use,
until I took the sheets out this morning
to find crowned hornbills warming up
and watching me with humour,
as green doves graced the coral tree
and collared sunbirds slipped between
the last of the cape honeysuckle,
it's peach nourishment nursing them
through these soft winter days.

Wonder still finds a few small words,
before I slide back into silence
and let the birds continue with this
awesome surah,

peace, until the morning rose.