I began writing poems in English during 1996 as an amateure. Ever since, I have continued writing poems with the encouragement of well wishers and friends of mine. I owe them for my success.

I chose poetry as a means to express my inner feelings and emotions of hope, happiness and inspiration.

For the critics, I would like to say that as many well-known poets of the past and the present, I too, have deviated from the conventional methods, in order not to be suppressed by the rigid control to air my feelings. Besides, "Free Verse Style" is not uncommon today.

Dear readers, if you get satisfaction or hear an echo of what's in your conscience from these verses that will be my reward.

These poems testify to the diversity of life in the Maldives. Trough them we can catch a glimpse of the country behind the tourist brochures and learn something of the lines and thoughts of the ordinary people. Fishermen setting out to sea at dawn, the innocent faces of school children, the brave soldier, all appear in these poems united under the dual banners of nation and religion. Other poems testify to the beauty of this unique country - Sun Down, Silent Cray and My Country - stand out particularly.

The future is another theme that appears in several poems - Innocent Faces, Youth - Our Hope, but nowhere so poignantly as in Global Warming:

‘These islands, like emeralds in the blue ocean
A unique holiday destination, untouched by pollution
Are we going to be the victims of wrong-doings by others?'

Melanie Weeks
Teacher Librarian, National Library, Male'
1 September 1997