The Temple of Desire

The clatter
Of high heels down
The hallway…
And the sudden end
Of winter

Symphony
Of the larrikin sun of Oz…
Great excitement
In the secret temple
Of desire

A row of pretty
Flowers at the pearly
Gate of life…
The mysterious shades
Of pink abound

Like the dreamtime
Bride, you danced
On my shadow
This golden dawn…artistry
Of the generous heart

You lighten
The mood with the flash
Of your magic smile…
And the earth moves under
The gentle august wind

You showered
Me with your love
And warmth
In perfect style…
Oh limpid eyes

You touched my
Heart with the sweet sound
Of your inner poem…
A soulful stanza of five
Lines sublime

The majestic
Footprints of the cosmic girl
Revealed…
An emotional journey
Of love divine


© Lawrence T. Udo-Ekpo

Reduction in African Refugee Numbers

The Australian Immigration Minister, Kevin Andrews, has recently announced a significant shift in the country’s refugee and humanitarian program for the 2007-08 financial year.

Consequently, Australia’s refugee intake from the African region will fall from 50 per cent in the last financial year to 30 per cent.

This is partly due to the official concern that African refugees have failed to integrate into the Australian society - although this point is debatable.

Meanwhile, 35 per cent of the new intake will come from Asia. And 35 per cent of places will be reserved for the resettlement of Iraqi Christians.

The Minister acknowledged that African refugees have faced particularly traumatic experiences for prolonged periods of time. And this will make successful settlement and integration difficult.

www.adelaidenow.com.au