ISLAND TOWN

© 1999-2007, Wanda L. Harrell

Narrow paved streets and wide ways of water in this island town

Are just one example of the stark contrasts in its sights and sounds.

The colorful, well-watered gardens collide when they fearlessly meet

The sweltering heat rising from the sidewalks’ drab and dry concrete.

Cool and loosely-woven straw hats provide shade for people’s hot, tense faces

As two lovers’ private whispers are overcome by loud noises in busy places.

Street vendors present and sell pungent sour lemons and tangerines sweet

While soft, cool ocean breezes occasionally pierce the island’s forceful heat

Brightly colored cars mechanically spit and spew, driven about on the ground,

As blandly colored sea birds effortlessly soar in the sky without a sound

A stubby pier constructed of sea worn timbers juts from the lengthy soft sands

While a hulk of man and a petite woman saunter on the beach holding hands,

Towering condos cast shadows over small sandcastles built near the dockside

The wet, sparkling waters gobble up the dry, dull sand when it is high tide

And wide, green fronds of the tall, pale palms sway in the unseen ocean breeze

Knowing life on the island can be difficult, but most seem to take it with ease.

Sights and sounds congregate, various differences subtle and some not

In this tiny island town where dreams are born and dreams are caught.