Ode to KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa

by James
(Durban)

I’m sitting watching at half past five, the sun that’s rising in the sky
The picture it paints across the sea, is there for everyone to see
It blushes orange pink and red, as it rises then goes back to bed

The African coast and the Indian Ocean, is where to see this lovely motion
To watch this phenomenon takes no time, to appear and then to rise and shine
So if you want to see it in the morn, you must be there early not at dawn
This site will live with you for evermore, like the ships that sail from sea to shore

The sky mainly a hue of blue in season, can change in summer with rain the reason
But most days can be planned for play, except when it’s a cricket day
Especially in the Durban town, that cricket days rained off is renown
There are plenty other things to do, with shops that are the very best to view

Casinos to play if that’s your thing, well worth a visit though not gambling
The Aquarium is always popular to be at, to see our fishy friends in their habitat
Or to the Indian market now in-doors, with herbs and spices to tickle your nose
Then there are Durban Hotels along the Promenade, for beer or tea or lemonade

Natal, Province of the Zulu nation, a jewel of God’s creation
A thousand hills they call their home, not seven like our brothers in Rome
People coloured black white and browns, inhabit mostly in the towns
Where they live and play together without tuition, since they got the new constitution

And everyone that’s a good fellow, can thank their stars for Nelson Mandela
This man that all of us admire, and wish that he did not have to retire
We hope that he has taught his brothers well, only the future will foretell
Ten years have passed in amalgamation, looks like we are set to build a nation

The Indians brought with them their culture and skills, with mystic and their cure for ills
As salesmen it’s their natural way, to talk and bargain and make you pay
Their influence is wide and varied, made up of groups that they have graded

The European influence and their settlers there, can claim to have set the pattern fair
They laid out the towns and the infrastructure, for them that came after to nurture
It was started with the best intention, and when gone wrong best not to mention

The golden sand along the shores, that sun worshipers on the beach adore
The water that’s the Indian Ocean scene, is warm, gentle and so clean
The swimmers and the surfing stars, are watched to see they don’t go too far

The lifeguards are the very best, and do their job with the greatest zest
Though swimming and surfing can be great fun, it’s essential that it be for everyone
These magnificent specimens of the human race, do their job with aplomb and grace

Durban and the Natal coast environs, are well known for their pros and cons
Holidaymakers of all ages partake in fun, with that ever warm and welcome sun
Be it fishing, swimming or playing sport, they have come to the right resort

Maybe for a short time stay and gone, or to run in our annual marathon
The latter looking for silver, bronze or gold, and others a certificate to hold
That for a race with determination, run ends in King’s Park stadium

And as the sun goes quickly down, a new feeling comes to the town
The streetlights and the decorations appear, to give this holiday atmosphere
Nightclubs and music are on late, or shows and concerts for the more sedate

With children safely in their bed and out of sight, the Mums and Dads slip out at night
A child minder cheap at the price to sit alone, nice to be in touch by family cell phone
Life with the modern normal condition, Natal Province the place of vision

james