November 5, 2013

Dear Sir,

I am pleased to include a poem written by my Granddaughter which I hope you may find some space to publish.

At this time when so much local, national and international news reminds us of difficulties, disasters and debts, I hope this short poem will bring a smile to a few faces.

The author is Caroline Hatter, a 12 year old English girl and two time visitor for whom Bermuda clearly holds a special place in her heart.

Yours in happiness

Mike White

My Personal Paradise

I know where I am when my uncle is waving his hands and running towards me,

like a complete lunatic,

as soon as I take one step out of the airport.

I know where I am when my best friend fills me in with everything that has happened

since I went back to England.

I know where I am.

I know I am home when I feel the warm breeze smack my hair,

as if it is happy to see me again.

I know I am home when all my family give me the biggest hug ever,

smothering me with kisses and questions.

I know I am home.

I know I am happy when I hear the bands playing against the moonlight

while my friends and I dance

without a care on our favourite beach.

I know I am happy when I smell all the tropical smells and see all the palm trees bending inward towards the road.

I know I am happy.

I know that I am back in Bermuda with Mr Barnes waving at me

from his own special roundabout

as if I haven’t been missing for the past year.

I know that I am back in Bermuda when everyone forgets their troubles

and just dances until the sun rises like music has taken over their bodies.

I know I am back in Bermuda.

The place I always long to be.