The Mystery of the Black River Gorges

*Situated in the south-western region of Mauritius, a dream island in the Indian Ocean. Written on 9 November 2023 The Mystery of the Black River Gorges* A shining summer afternoon Witnessed a couple in full bloom Strolling cheerfully, hand in hand Like lovers and intimate friends In the Black River Gorges` reserve, A prime forest park state preserved, Gazing at the endemic trees, Feeling like the rare birds quite free To hop from branches to branches, Like butterflies dipped in a trance. They strolled along the river bank And could only the heaven thank For the gorgeous sight of the rocks Turned deep black by the river shocks, The pure and fresh air that did blow, The music of the water flow And the splendour of the landscape That emerged in the distant space. This national reserve is home To a prime forest quite awesome And a picturesque greenery, A stunning sweep of scenery Of unique fauna and flora Presenting a distinct aura That thousands of nature lovers, Foreign and local visitors Cherish with incisive envy And engrave in their memory. The couple scanned the scenery For several wonderful hours Treading amidst trees and flowers, When stunned by the splendid beauty Of a full moon shining deep bright Presenting a marvellous sight In a cloudless sky all starry, They stood staring at each other With no toll of time to bother, On a full moon night lovers` hearts Are known to expand and to dart Arrows of true love in the air And ardent emotions to flare; So happened with the twain`s envy That dipped in the crest of frenzy, Wrapped in the womb of ecstasy And oblivious of time and space Felt the moon light flying apace. In his daily tour the next day The forest warden with dismay Found two bodies lying lifeless In the river bed quite listless; How the couple reached that sad stage Was mystery in that village, A mystery until today Which but the moon can give away.