MAUBESSI

High in the mountains of Timor

On a hill in a cradling valley

Swathed with cloud

Warmed by sunlight.

The Portuguese loved this place.

They built a pousada

On the hill

and planted roses.

It has stood for a hundred years.

They are rebuilding it.

Visitors come

Absorb the peace.

Wander through the garden

Look under shrubs and flowers

Find a stone

Amongst the flowers.

Set near a rusty swing.

Itself once used, now not.

Mind the rust.

All must decay .

Under frangipani

Is a memorial.

Read what it says.

Robin Finlay Taudevin 14/3/1977 to 14/6/2006.

My son.