In Praise of Victoria

(With Melbourne in Mind
(After a brief visit in February 2004)

If cleanliness is next to Godliness
It is in this paradise on the sea.

From Surrey Hills to Swanston Street

Brick and mortar of the old

Mix in balance with glass and steel

Of now kissing the clouds. A nation of

Young and old; in people, in sleek

Cars that speed past slow trams;

Modern electricity spread across

On ancient wooden poles…



Nature still smiles fresh and green.

Shining white on the Great Ocean

Road and descending as sparkling

Smiles on the Senior citizens

Who walk the street as two

But in heart always as one.

Traffic moves at steady ninety

And stop short when seeing red.

Kids and adults alike when green

Walk across. Laws of the land

They know is long life for them.

As laws of Lord is for lasting

Peace..



Warm weather touching forty

Drives the twenty plus to the sea.

Clouds gather in nights to spread

Cooling rain as an apology.

Weather, as inscrutable as a woman’s

Whim. Blow hot blow cold

But always in love’s fold.



Strange is this land where

Flights to reach are bumpy

But passing the customs is smooth,

Unlike many lands where it is

Other wise. Hint of more smiles

To follow is felt on landing.

This nation is no Down Under.

But a cut above all…..



~ T.S. Gopal ~
March 2004

More Poems By Gopal

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