The Mauritian Sea Speaks To Mauritians Poem by Vatsala Radhakeesoon

The Mauritian Sea Speaks to Mauritians

(On the occasion of the 50th Independence Day)



I'm the Mauritian sea
- all immortal
In my mind, History is
as fresh as anew day

I remember those days when
Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch
French and British
met me

I have witnessed
the naming of the island:
Ilha do Cirne
Dina Arobi
Ile de France
Mauritius

I have witnessed
the Battle of Vieux Grand Port
I have felt, understood
the pain of African slaves
the sorrows of indentured Indian labourers

I was present
when Port Louis was declared
as capital city

I have been
the muse of Paul et Virginie





O sweet island!
I was overjoyed
when on 12 March 1968
you broke all chains
your protest won
You shouted
"Freedom"
"Independence"
The sparkle in each eye
The smile on each face
are still vivid in my memories

O my love!
O my gorgeous island!
Today, together let's celebrate
the 50th Independence Day
Dance on my lovely beaches
Sing along with my waves
Meditate by my side
at lovely dawn
Focus on further progress

O beautiful Mauritius!
Amidst all the ups and downs
the tropical sun
will keep shining
the blue sky
will keep building
the true shelter

O mesmerizing Mauritius!
You are
the tactful negotiator
the true fighter
You will always be
the confident winner.

Vatsala Radhakeesoon

Author of poetry book Depth of the River