My mind races to Kundiawa Airport
Surrounded by rugged and menacing mountains
Pilot’s nightmare
My spirit groans

Settling into a single cab Hilux
I cruise along Loniu road
The pulsating songs of Chauka set the pace
My soul thrills at the ambiance

At the sight of Lombrum turnoff
Hatred overwhelms me
Why, I question myself
But the answer hasn’t dawned

Wow, Loniu Bridge!
A state of the art ingenuity
A solid and durable structure
Connecting Los Negros with Manus

Thinking back to South Simbu highway
Rugged terrain and potholes
Scary Pilme Bridge and snaky Deboma Pass
My mind battles to comprehend the contrast

Arriving at Lorengau Market
To the enchanting smiles of pretty angels
Adorned with stylish tattoos, long tresses
Selling all kinds of sea products

I think of Wara Market
Where varieties are arrayed in galore
Kaukau, potato, broccoli and more
And the familiar smile of Simbu Ambais

Harbourside Hotel
Manus deluxe holiday bungalows
Perched on the sea edge rocks
A lip-smacking banquet of seafood

Out in the dark tranquil sea
Seagulls dexterously glide down and up
Catching the speedy skipjack
Fleeing from the predatory boats

Lying quietly to the east of Harbourside
Is the beautiful no man’s Rara Isle
Surrounded by white sandy beach
A perfect hideout for freedom seekers

Beyond is Lombrum Naval Base
The asylum seekers’ detention centre
I smell the rot from where I stand
It makes me sick

Then it dawns on me
Why hatred overwhelmed me at Lombrum turnoff
It is the asylum seekers processing centre
Alias Australia’s problem solution centre

An institutionalised human rights abuse
Where Australians are at liberty to rape
To satisfy their power and lust
And get protected by Australian government

Filling sick I retreat to my room
Jet lag makes it worse
In the comfy of the twin bed
Soon I forget the ugliness of Lombrum