"Land of the Long White Cloud"

by David Townsend (Dec. 4, 2003)

A long white cloud had shone up one day,
Here on the shores of Bounty Bay.
And something magical drew me away,
I just left my friends and family, what could they say?

I followed that cloud to Xenidu,
Trying to understand its mysteries too.
Interpeting its signs within the sky blue,
Always a step ahead of me, its course was true.

"Land of the Long White Cloud",
Always a mystery behind a shroud.
A Pitcairner lost amongst others, but proud,
Withstanding the onslaughts of new ways, seemingly loud.

Other Pitcairner's here, the long white cloud they see,
All of us searching the magical forces of it that be.
And still I wonder between you and me,
About 'this' land which abounds in trees.

I say to myself, wait a minute, let me catch my breath,
I haven't time to absorb this culture shock of a wreath.
Worn about my head, and under the souls of my feet beneath,
For time has caught me, far from home on my bed of death.

I still see this 'long white cloud'as my time expires,
In this land of mystery, a Pitcairner who admires,
All things of Heavenly desire.
But for Pitcairn, my heart does require.

And as I see once more my soul floats on back,
Along the bouncing waves, it tracks,
Back to Bounty Bay, I see the long boats oars take in the slack,
As I discover Adams, our founder and friend, Jack.

And but for a moment in time,
I can see all who have gone before me in line,
Waiting to hug me and bid me in Pitkern so fine,
At last my soul has seen the magic of the 'long white cloud', I resign.