Saturday, January 05, 2013


778 Islands

East and West Island *and 776 siblings in the southern globe
Wait to share a sumptuous feast of yet undiscovered wealth
That is laid on the white tablecloth of the pristine land south
Libated with the cold wine from clear, southern Arctic oceans
Pity yet that the gluttony is so set against the tyranny of law
That disputes and niggles and gnaws at antiquities very bones
Even before the repast call begins to chime; the bell of war rings
Supplant, rename, invade, and where force fails; wreak diplomacy
The hunger of colonialism and the desperation for wealth see...
Two nations severed in any mediation by the desire to wrest...
One final gem from the last free clean land and sea on earth

*The Falkland / Islas Malvinas are an archipelago located in the South Atlantic Ocean on the Patagonian Shelf. The principal islands are East Falkland, West Falkland and 776 smaller islands. Controversy exists over the Falklands' original discovery and subsequent colonisation by Europeans. At various times there have been French, British, Spanish, and Argentine settlements. Oil exploration, licensed by the Falkland Islands Government, remains controversial as a result of maritime disputes with Argentina.