International Bulletin - May 2001
Thoughts on the PPSEAWA Conference
Summer idles in the Cook Islands
Though here Fall's colors are muted and gone
There - azure skies meet blue-green waters
And walks through green taro fields yield news
Of lush mountains
All framed by palm trees,
And the lilting voices of the Island people,
Their skins glowing with bronze and russet hues.
Though nature invites a carefree swim
and a dive to see multicolored fish,
PPSEAWA women ignore this, for the moment,
And gather in conference to hear report upon report,
Talk upon talk.
There are many introductions of honored people,
And multitudes of thanks given to those
who have provided even a toothpick or two.
The talks are indeed good
and provide welcome knowledge
Of the Pacific and Southeast Asian countries,
And insights into women's needs
In those countries.
But when the talks are over, as the sun sets,
There may be the sound of glorious Polynesian voices
Raised in song,
Or the beating of drums and a haunting melody.
There is harmony, too,
in the diversity of ladies from around the globe;
Cook Island ladies
in their flowing patterns of rose and blue flowers,
And the glowing ladies of Tonga and Samoa
smiling and charming,
Also pleasing, too, are the delicate smiles
of the Japanese women, often in demure kimonos,
Malaysian women as well,
Colorful and often scarfed.
Not to miss the American contingent,
Elegant dowager ladies from the North Shore,
Down home ladies from Toledo, offering hospitality,
And pleasing local notes from Minnesota.
Professional women from both coasts
And our own professional photographer
From Chicago meeting her match
In the mountains of New Zealand
And New York ladies.
Koreans, Singaporean, Indians,
Filipinos, Canadians, New Zealanders
All address their skills and charm
To make a memorable conference
For Knowledge and Peace in the World.
May the good work of PPSEAWA continue on,
Graced by the many blessings received
Through it's work.
Last Modified: November 29, 2002