Who or What am I?
 by Ruth Mascal

 
I live way up high obvious to the eye,

Covering everything far and wide.

Can be interesting playing in the game “I spy,”

Sometimes objects use me to hide.

 

When morning breaks I don my outfit,

I change several times bit by bit.

You see me every day if you just look,

But I sure am not a story book.

 

You can observe hints of the weather,

At times it seems I’m wearing a feather.

Some days my attire appears so bare,

Maybe I just couldn’t decide what to wear.

 

My colors vary from time to time,

If you observe closely you may think I mime.

Browse carefully and you will see

Several objects passing under me

 

Listen quietly you won’t hear a sound,

Noise is not a characteristic to be found

At night I dress up in my very best

In my splendor outshining all the rest

Now, take a try!

Who or what am I?




DRAMA

By Ruth Mascall


Narrator: A young couple is visiting St. Croix for the first time. They are from Germany, but speak English. The couple rented a car for a week.

Sammy: This is a gorgeous island, but I sure had a difficult time maneuvering those giant potholes on our way to the beach this morning.

Sumira: I really felt sorry for you my dear. I tried to alert you, but missed some myself.

Sammy: Thank you anyway. Now I must wind my way back to the hotel.

Narrator: Tonight it is full moon.

Sumira: Let’s go for a walk in the beautiful moonlight.

Sammy: How romantic! Put on your walking shoes.

Sumira: I hope there are no potholes, especially the waterholes.

Sammy: We’ll walk about three blocks to the little store on the corner.

Sumira: The moonlight is so beautiful! The moon looks so huge and so close.

Sammy: Watch your step, hon, remember to look down.

Sumira: Hold my hand, incase I slip

Sammy: OK, hold on tight. Watch out for potholes as you walk.

Sumira: I’m so glad we have a large light overhead.

Sammy: Tomorrow we can drive to Point Udal.

Sumira: That sure will be an adventure for me!

Narrator: The next day the couple is ready to leave for point Udal.

Sammy: I’ll drive while you watch the road. If you see a pothole, just show me an “O.”

Sumira: Well, we made it to Point Udal, in spite of the potholes. What a picturesque view!

Sammy: How about you drive back to the hotel, Su?

Sumira: Please do my dear. I can’t handle those hills, curves and of course, the dreaded potholes! They may cause me to lose control.

Sammy: This is our first trip to St. Croix. Let’s make the best of it and get our money’s worth.

Narrator: The next day the couple explores Scenic Drive and the Rain Forest.

Sumira: Wow! This route sure is scenic. It is humming with the sounds of nature; birds, animals, trees, water and cool breezes.

Sammy: The road was looking fine until now. Oops!  There’s a pothole! No escape!

Sumira: Watch out! They are coming up fast. The road was washed out by the rain.

Sammy: I will slow down so we can admire the fern and flora.

Sumira: We can continue on this road to the beach. I sure don’t want to repeat the pothole experience we just had.

Sammy: I feel the same way, dear. Well, we are almost at the end of our stay.

Sumira: Yes, indeed! We survived the pot holes and got a sweet and sour taste of Paradise.

Sammy: Please! Please! The powers that be, whoever is in charge, please fix the roads so I can come back. I really would like to bring my mom.

 

          Freedom Lost, Beauty Regained
by Veronica Prescott

The sleeping giant has awakened to the sound of VIWP participants as they prowl upon its head. This interruption provoked much thoughts and reflections.
Many celebrities have crossed this giant’s path to absorb its beauty, flair, and flavor. The vibrancy, the warm welcome, the resourcefulness, and the rich atmospheric spirit kept them coming back. 
Amidst the revelries and excitement, all too soon became null. Life unpleasant circumstances and unexpected forces came with great demands, which today created an emptiness that is patiently waiting to be replenished. The transparency of the waters and the crystal white sand were the bait that caught many visitors to its shores. It is now a lonely habitation occupied only by victims of its kind. 
I remembered when this giant was king, hosting beach parties, dinners, shopping spree and harbor night. Movements in certain areas were often prohibited due to the intense flow of traffic. The streets lined with merchants bartering clothes, jewelry, crafts, food, and so much more to visitors, as they were ushered across the then newly renovated pier, are now a picturesque image that is still vivid in the mind of many supporters. 
The sight of the cruise ships sitting along the walls of the pier spelled “Freedom.”  The sound of soca, reggae, calypso, steel pan, and quelbe music serenaded the atmosphere from every street corner. The fresh odor of bath & body Jasmine, Vanilla, Pomegranate, Strawberry, and Raspberry oil permeated much space. The cultural attires that were habitually displayed were advantages that helped in promoting and building its economic status.
Today, the word “Revelry” is no doubt a thing of the past, as one meticulously observes the now docile surroundings, with too much lifeless space. 
From every appearance it seems that Freedom has long gone, and  cannot find its way back. The serenity of the space can be invigorating for some, but for others it induces melancholic feelings 
The constant clanging of the clock in short intervals, indicate that there is still life, and where there’s life, there’s hope. 
This giant of the west still remains beautiful with a God given appeal. It seems to be at peace with itself and with God. It is a part of this blessed universe, the American Paradise. Despite the noisy confusion and the uncertainties that surround this land, there is a sweet peace within, and a surety that  you are indeed a beautiful place!








  

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