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Description
The rosy fingers of the tropical sun gently reached through the doorway of my leafy haven and stirred me from a restless sleep. As I put off the moment that I would have to get up and start living again, the morning shrieks and warbles of the local wildlife assaulted my ears and made it impossible to keep my eyes closed any longer. The sound of the ocean was close and soothing and the sight of it greeted me as I awoke. Far off, I could see the reef breaking the sea into tiny fragments of white foam.
It was my second day in the tropical prison and already I bore the sun’s damaging mark. I stumbled through the warm sand to wash my face in the water. I sat dripping, and looking out to sea, saying a silent prayer “Please, please let there be a ship today”.
Struggling back into the lush jungle my stomach growled, hinting that it needed some nourishment. I picked a trumpet shaped flower and sucked out the fragrant nectar. As the warm sticky liquid oozed out of the bud, I looked thoughtfully through the tangles of branches and onto the vivid blue sky. What was to become of me? How long was I to stay on this forsaken island? The bees hummed gently throughout the luxurious blossoms and my head buzzed with unanswerable questions.
I started to climb a gentle slope, which soon became a steep rocky hill. Before I knew it I was scaling a sheer cliff. Groping on doggedly was hard on my bare hands, and by the time I had reached the topmost ledge, they were sore and bleeding. I looked out over a heavenly scene, the sea breezes cooling my sweaty face. The view was absolutely breath taking. The cloudless sky stretched over and over until it faded into white on the horizon. I observed the whole island from the top of my mountain. The leafy heads of the trees below swayed as a mist of birds rose, screaming, from the depths of the jungle. The shallow river could be seen trickling down the beach to meet its sister. The thought of the cool sparkling water made my thirst burn in my throat. Resolving to come up to the top of the mountain again, I carefully clambered down the rock face and crashed into the green shadows below. The sun was now high in the sky, and even under the protective leaves of the trees and climbing vines I could feel the midday heat pressing down through the canopy. The forest was silent except for a few crickets who played a cheerful song. I forged a desperate path through the clinging undergrowth, longing to feel the cool trickle of water. I drank greedily when I reached the stream at last and savoured the freshness of the water.
The day dragged on until at last the sky was turning to a velvety blue. The oppressive midday heat had gone to be replaced by crisp evening air. The sunset was magnificent to watch from the mountain’s peak. I made my way back to the leafy shelter I had used the night before in a silent darkness. Lying down on the soft bed of leaves I could see the stars poking their light through the thick canopy. The hypnotic spell of the chirping crickets took over me and before I knew it, I was asleep.

Description
The rosy fingers of the tropical sun gently reached through the doorway of my leafy haven and stirred me from a restless sleep. As I put off the moment that I would have to get up and start living again, the morning shrieks and warbles of the local wildlife assaulted my ears and made it impossible to keep my eyes closed any longer. The sound of the ocean was close and soothing and the sight of it greeted me as I awoke. Far off, I could see the reef breaking the sea into tiny fragments of white foam.
It was my second day in the tropical prison and already I bore the sun’s damaging mark. I stumbled through the warm sand to wash my face in the water. I sat dripping, and looking out to sea, saying a silent prayer “Please, please let there be a ship today”.
Struggling back into the lush jungle my stomach growled, hinting that it needed some nourishment. I picked a trumpet shaped flower and sucked out the fragrant nectar. As the warm sticky liquid oozed out of the bud, I looked thoughtfully through the tangles of branches and onto the vivid blue sky. What was to become of me? How long was I to stay on this forsaken island? The bees hummed gently throughout the luxurious blossoms and my head buzzed with unanswerable questions.
I started to climb a gentle slope, which soon became a steep rocky hill. Before I knew it I was scaling a sheer cliff. Groping on doggedly was hard on my bare hands, and by the time I had reached the topmost ledge, they were sore and bleeding. I looked out over a heavenly scene, the sea breezes cooling my sweaty face. The view was absolutely breath taking. The cloudless sky stretched over and over until it faded into white on the horizon. I observed the whole island from the top of my mountain. The leafy heads of the trees below swayed as a mist of birds rose, screaming, from the depths of the jungle. The shallow river could be seen trickling down the beach to meet its sister. The thought of the cool sparkling water made my thirst burn in my throat. Resolving to come up to the top of the mountain again, I carefully clambered down the rock face and crashed into the green shadows below. The sun was now high in the sky, and even under the protective leaves of the trees and climbing vines I could feel the midday heat pressing down through the canopy. The forest was silent except for a few crickets who played a cheerful song. I forged a desperate path through the clinging undergrowth, longing to feel the cool trickle of water. I drank greedily when I reached the stream at last and savoured the freshness of the water.
The day dragged on until at last the sky was turning to a velvety blue. The oppressive midday heat had gone to be replaced by crisp evening air. The sunset was magnificent to watch from the mountain’s peak. I made my way back to the leafy shelter I had used the night before in a silent darkness. Lying down on the soft bed of leaves I could see the stars poking their light through the thick canopy. The hypnotic spell of the chirping crickets took over me and before I knew it, I was asleep.