Little Island
by Leigh Sackett
Who are you, little island?
Like a hand outstretched you reach for the sea,
Are you reaching for me?
Who are you, little island?
Named for the disciple whom Jesus loved.
You are the evangelist, calling us forth.
Who are you, little island?
You are rugged.
Shapes bending like jagged puzzle pieces,
yet you are quaint.
Nestling us within your sleepy coves.
Who are you, little island?
Are you mountains?
Are you desert?
Are you tropics?
Who are you, little island?
With your history of slavery and rebellion.
It is strange to think hatred and violence was known by you.
Who are you, little island?
With your little surprises ...
Waves crackling over peebles.
Frogs on a bathroom wall.
Hermit crabs rustling.
Lizards peaking up at us.
Birds peering down on us.
And all this around our little house.
Who are you, little island?
You are wild and terribly forgiving.
Your people giving much grace to strangers wooed to your shores.
Who are you, little island?
Even your sharks are passive,
as your crystal waters temper the heat,
your ease allowing for beach water movie house.
Who are you, little island?
Strap in kids we are going for a roller coaster ride!!
Your roads twist and turn like your tree trunks.
Move aside little donkey, goats, and wandering dog!
Who are you, little island?
I slide on your pebbles,
like a pair of roller skates.
If I fell off your cliffs, would you catch me?
Who are you little island?
Someone has loved and protected you,
Is that why you welcome the lost and lonely?
Who are you little island?
You bring me to tears.
Who are you, little island?
Each leaf, each rock, each drop sacred.
Who are you, little island?
I will leave everything here.
