Sandalwood Fan

Sandalwood Fan On the verandah of the Moana Hotel Not too many years ago Under the great banyan beside the beach at Waikiki They would bring a fragrant sandalwood fan to all the guests that ordered tea. They set it before you in its own fancy stand the most alluring fragrance wafted on demand, when you opened it’s carved blades and gently fanned. Given to holders on an honor system Understood to return on leaving… Sadly, too many proved untrustworthy. after a time- these fans became un-available A friend who had shared many tea- times there, with me one day -sent me a small gift from China A slim package which when opened re-kindled memory A glass topped case holding a sandalwood fan just for me Suzanne Delaney