Kiwi Konexions: Golden Bay - Bypassed
Did you wander down those leafy lanes, scenting jasmine and the rambling rose? Did you see herons, spoonbills, gannets, as tides changed the mud flats into a shining sea of blue? Glen Taylor's poem is about her treasured New Zealand hideaway, Golden Bay.
Commencing in Open Writing next Saturday Glen will present a series of vivid prose portraits of Golden Bay, a place for folk who realise that at the centre of life there should be tranquility, rather than speed and rush.
So you think you've seen all Golden Bay,
'Nothing there,' you said to me,
As you hurtled down through Takaka,
Farewell Spit to see.
You speeded down the tar-sealed road,
Between the dust filled bush,
Failing to hear the bell birds call,
In this, your tearing rush.
At Collingwood you leapt inside
The high wheeled, four wheel drive
And hurried down the sand filled spit,
Just in time to beat the tide.
You looked up at the lighthouse,
Ate scones and drank your tea,
Then back you went to Nelson,
And ne'er a seal did see.
So Golden Bay you think you've seen,
Because you drove its length.
But you've never been to Golden Bay
None of its glory passed your way.
Did you wander down those leafy lanes
Which said 'no exit here?'
Did scent of jasmine fill your nose
And did you pick the rambling rose,
Before you found that ancient pier,
Its sharp reflections etched so clear,
In deep blue waters depth?
Did you watch the stately herons stand,
See stilts, spoonbills and gannets land,
As tides changed mighty mud flats hue
Into a shining sea of blue?
And did you see the feathered diver,
Beneath the Milnethorpe quay,
Chasing up the fishes
And gobbling up his tea?
And in the warm, clean water,
Did you swim and float and play,
Then lie down on the sun warmed sand
And let your mind just stray?
Did you sit and watch the sun set
Or see it when it rose,
And feel the stir of wonder,
As stars in dark skies glowed?
And the little houses nestled,
Far back amongst the bush,
Hold folk who really know
That life's not meant to rush.
Yes, you drove with speed through Golden Bay,
But nothing did you see.
And, in your tourist's hurry,
You missed tranquillity.
