My Devon

              See those long stretches
              of wide and golden sands,
              where children paddle
              and build sandcastles
              with spades in their hands.

         
              See those beautiful valleys
              where snowdrops
              and bluebells grow,
              and lovers walk hand in hand,
              through this my Devon land.

              See those greenhills,
              reaching for the sky,
              over which seagulls,
              and eagles majestically fly.

              See those green pastures,
              where sheep do graze,
              for all of these things,
              to the Lord I give praise.

              See those regal green trees,
              their branches swaying
              in the breeze,
              and there's the honeysuckle,
              being kissed by the bees.

              
              See those small harbours,
              they are dotted around,
              and to me, the lapping of the waves,
              are a musical sound.

              See those twisting
              and winding lanes,
              and over field gates,
              horses let you stoke
              their mane's.

              See those moors,
              they are covered in heather,
              offering interesting walks,
              whatever the weather.

              All of these things
              that I have mentioned above,
              cost you nothing,
              accept them with love.

              For it is here in England,
              Devon in the West,
              are to be found natures gifts,
              the one's that I love best.

              I am soon of to America
              my sweetheart to wed,
              but I will never forget my Devon,
              for it will always be there in my head.

Terry Waite 2001

Sent to me by Terry Waite from Brandon, Mississippi, USA. 2003.

The man himself, a Devonian from the USA