Kim Randell

JAFFA ANTHEM

(JAFFA: Just Another Fabulously Fashionable Aucklander)

If you could fly at night beyond where eagles may,
And look upon the isthmus from that height,
A diamond choker, Auckland shines into the sky,
A glowing beauty filling up your sight.
You can't but feel your chest expand with rightful pride
And hope to never end your awesome flight.

The Waitemata harbour on a sunny day
With yachts like scattered pearls upon her back,
Will lift your mood and sail all dark thoughts far away,
To scuttle them in some deep distant crack.
This ocean gateway to our fair metropolis
Perpetually brings the cruise ships sailing back.

From Ferry Building at the city's harbour edge,
To Aotea Square by old Town Hall,
A tiring travail up the Queen street shopping strip
Will have you asking,"What? Is that it all?"
A few boutiques and many little tourist shops,
Our hard-core shoppers live in shopping malls!

A saunter down the road in stylish Ponsonby
Displays to you Humanity anew.
The quiet clink of conversational coffee cups,
As patrons on the sidewalks air their views,
Café aromas truly cosmopolitan
Traverse your path, there's always something new.

Each evening greets a jungle at the Viaduct,
Rhythmic beating drums and strobing lights.
Young and old, a dazzling bright kaleidoscope
That spins and flows far into every night.
The music, dancing, laughter, change the Viaduct
Into a world where fancy does take flight.

We're proud to share our Auckland with all visitors,
To show them all our wondrous sights and sounds,
From Kelly Tarlton's place upon Tamaki Drive,
To Western Springs where you can walk around.
So fare you well, and take with you kind images.
Please come again and visit our fair town.

© Kim Randell 2006