The Final Night

Just a few hours left
before we part, forever…
At dawn I will return,
to my shanty hut, sobbing
through that unknown tunnel
you built for me
to keep a secret
from everyone
except two blind lovers
from different worlds.

I will see you, never again.
I have no permission to return to
our palace, hideout, sanctuary
by the Paradise Beach.
Symbolic of a great empire
but dedicated to the love of your life
until this final night.

My first glance
at a general, a lord, the handsome King Tom
with fear and respect.
Your first glance
at a poor gypsy girl,
a mestizo dancer
forced to keep her breasts bare.
Your attention made me feel shy.
It was love at first sight, strangely.

How six years passed so quickly
while a teenager became a woman.
A slave for love, deep as the ocean.

An outcast became
the lover of the king of the island.
Now, for one last time, my dear
hug me tight, kiss me passionately
make love to me one more time
as there is no tomorrow.

Signs are there, everywhere
to show that the end is here, abruptly.
On this misty night
tropical rain drops falling
on the roof of the mansion
loud and noisy, unlike my tear drops
absorbed by your soft pillows.

I hear, large waves breaking on those twenty rocks.
I feel, my broken heart pounding
like death drums.

Lightning and thunders, suddenly
as if to predict a sad end,
to our love, your dreams, my life
unworthy to continue without you.
Please hear my last request.
When your majestic ship
sails away, tomorrow
throw a single flower to the sea
if you see something floating, gently
wave after wave, gently
that would be a dedication to you.
No tribute needed for my soul and body,lifeless…

(Dr. Chandana (Chandi) Jayawardena is a published poet, author and visual artist. Chandi loves Mount Lavinia Hotel, and its rich history stemming from the legend of Lavinia. Over the last 52 years, Chandi has worked at Mount Lavinia Hotel on three occasions – During 1972/1973 tourist season as a Trainee Waiter, from 1990 to 1993 as the General Manager, and since 2023 as the Consultant CEO of the International Hotel School of Mount Lavinia Hotel.)