We travel to friends
on the island of Barbados
with sea, sand and palms
sparkling in the sun.
Life slows for a fortnight
suiting thirty degrees heat
with a centring of the day
upon a bath in the sea.
The people smile a lot
greeting us on the street
and many speak first hand
of God as real to them.
Their history is ugly.
Britain held slaves here.
Now the island is free
and proud of that.
With its warmth and light
its beauty, its people
and their inspiration
Barbados is second home.
John Twisleton 18 November 2022
