Optimism sustained

Fresh leaves that in the river fall
the sky and earth join
Take the sun, rain, dust and tears
bearing toil of many years
Trees rooted in time
Wait for flowers too
Make smiles tender
Bring fresh fruits to all.

T.P. Wilkinson, Dr. rer. pol. writes, teaches History and English, directs theatre and coaches cricket between the cradles of Heine and Saramago. He is author of Unbecoming American: A War Memoir and also Church Clothes, Land, Mission and the End of Apartheid in South Africa. Read other articles by T.P..