Poem by Leslene Woodward

The following poem by Leslene, was written at the request of a primary school teacher for her class, and it had to have specific markers--rhyme, metre, simile, alliteration, etc. It was designed to help 10 year olds learn about poetry.

This lovely poem is a wonderful introduction to the superb photos Leslene has contributed to this site; that will be posted next.

The reader needs to understands on one side is the wide Pacific Ocean, with its breakers crashing endlessly on the coral reef, while on the other side, in the curve of the islands, is the shallow, quiet, almost wave-less lagoon.

Wendy

   SISTER AND BROTHER 

                               
(the lagoon and ocean on either side of Tarawa.)
The lagoon is a lovely lady,
Dressed in a sparkling gown,
The ocean is hungry and hurtful,
Where the waves come crashing down.
The lagoon catches moonlight and  sunlight,
Spreading a path of dreams,
The ocean roars out its anger,
Shattering moonlight’s beams.
The lagoon is a lovely lady,
The ocean is hungry and wild,
The lagoon is a delicate lady,
The ocean is anger’s child.
Lagoon, lagoon, you catch sunlight,
And starlight and moonlight’s fall,
Ocean, ocean, you challenge us,
And echo the wild wind’s call.

Leslene is currently serving as a volunteer worker in the Theological College in Kiribati as part of the UnitingWorld Program. She continues to give much encouragement and information as I prepare for placement in June.

Support Group

The second support group meeting was held at Andrea's place with a lovely dinner provided. Apologies from Anne den Houting, Sian Trudinger and Peter Flahive. Some of the contributions are depicted here including an apron to be used to teach about reproduction in the school or community groups, trauma teddies and the colourful bags made by Andrea. Thank you everyone for your ongoing support and prayers.

Red Cross Trauma Teddies

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Thanks to the Lindenow Red Cross for making very small lighweight Trauma Teddies  for sick or disabled children in Kiribati. Teddies similare to these (only larger) are given by Red Cross to families with children throughout the world to help them deal with disaster, stress and poverty. We are currently waiting for Red Cross representatives in Kiribati to accept the teddies when they arrive

Pictured are representatives from Red Cross Ann MaCarthur and Angela Bird who have been members of the local branch of Red Cross for many years. Angela has kindly offered to be the representative on my support group.