Urupukapuka Island, N. L.
The Deep-Sea Anglers' Rendezvous

Isle of contentment, isle of calm serene
Bathed in the sunshine of the Southern sky,
Rude Boreas softens here his rages keen
And breathes to Zephyr what is but a sigh.
The circling hills, grassy and tree embowered,
Inviting, stoop to meet the flowing tide.
In yonder cave, by Neptune newly scoured,
A mermaid, coy, methinks, might shyly hide.
Fantastic islets dot your sheltered Bay,
Adown whose rocky sides, with foliage green
And writhing roots, at summer's height so gay,
The Christmas-tree adds beauty to the scene.
Wide sandy beaches, spreading 'neath the rocks
Hold store of shells, the flotsam of the sea,
And tantalizing oyster at your effort mocks
To move him from his holding for your tea!
Far in the distance, 'cross the heaving wave,
Loom Piercy Island and the famed Cape Brett,
Where anglers gather “mal de mer” to brave,
The “swordie” and the “mako” shark to get.
The evening comes and “home” each launchman turns,
Be fair his fortune, or his lot be vile,
For thy calm haven each tired angler yearns,
To rest on thee, fair “Urupuka's” Isle.

—By C.A.K.J.

page 28

In one diffusive band
They drive the troubled flock….

—James Thomson.