I had no name once, an unchartered maiden lying by the sea
Thighs spread wide apart, my knees high up, exposed to the Elements
Covered in virgin bush and thick forests
Like a novice whore awaiting her punters
I enticed strangers to sail across my strait
They said I was beautiful. And the veil was torn forever
I seduced them with fortune and might
My insides were ploughed, ravaged, blasted, gutted and scoured
My milkwoods felled, replenished with bastards
I was left lactating, outraged and triumphant
I cursed the strangers who gave me a name
I sank many ships and broke many hearts
And then we made peace, the strangers and I
For I saw them vulnerable as they came and went
They left me a beacon, my thighs spread wide apart, knees still high up
I smell of sea and sand, I sing with the breeze
Dancing a choreography of tides and fish and seaweed
In a myriad of sparkles and an orchestra of Coucals and Loeries
I am beautiful. They call me Knysna.
Alex Fan Moniz
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/knysna/
