Aminath Neena (Male')

She saw him,

The nimble toddy man

Brave heart

They called him

Brewer of the greatest dream

Approaching as a light beam

In the night sky, he watched

The coconut palm, she stood

A poised Venus

Waving to the overhead Sirius

Delicately framed emerald coil

Nourished by the succulent soil

Upon which martyrs and heroes

Stamped their footsteps

Dipped in sacred blood

That prevailed over generations

Ever faithful, ever loving

She gestated humming

A melodious tune

Swaying with the turbulent breeze

Unaware of the nation's creed

Unaccustomed to the ruthless breed

Conflict and greed

Grievances untamed

When history is sustained

In jigsaw puzzles

Heart, murmuring meticulous tales

Of once upon a peaceful land

He began the ardent task

To wrap her curls tight

Before the first streak of light

To collect the sweet brew

For which, the conch they blew

To nourish his people

Friend or foe no matter

Though he could hear the chatter

Of the ruthless ungrateful fodder

At the battle of the warlord

For which they were paid in gold

Light as a feather

Climbing higher and higher

With silent gratitude

His teardrops glistened

And as he bent down to his task

Her lips touching his ear

Softly, she whispered,

'Tell me your dreams'

And way down below the turf

He could see the bronzed silver dwarf

of the cavalry march

Aiming straight at his heart

He blinked and the toddy fell apart

All hell broke loose

His head fit the noose

And the coconut palm, she wept