On St Helen’s, Isles of Scilly, looking across Tean to St Mary’s, with part of St Martin’s and some of the Eastern Isles visible.

On 30 September 2009 my Dad and I visited the island of St Helen’s in the Isles of Scilly. It is my favourite place. I had been dreaming of going back to that island for a decade. Here is a poem that I wrote about the experience!

A dream of ten years comes true
As the swish of paddles
Draws me closer to the isle
Through a sea of myriad shades of blue.

The calls of oystercatchers resonate
As we land on the sparkling, sandy beach
And see pathways lined with bracken,
All of which can only placate

Those who land on St Helen’s shore
With its hilltop, rocks and wild turf
And buildings evoking history,
Creating a strong desire to explore.

Through the clouds shines a silvery light,
Cloaking all the surrounding isles,
Making them magical silhouettes
— A beauty which absolutely nothing can blight.

Suddenly all the clouds disperse,
Turning the sand from grey to white;
The sun bathes the rocks with the warmth of its glow,
Showing the splendours that are this earth’s.

When you are not feeling very whole
St Helen’s always provides an escape
— An island where you can freely roam,
A sanctuary that refreshes the soul.