The Monks of Caldey (Poetry)

An island of extremes for contemplation,
whose winter winds whip cruelly from the west -
old Norsemen named it "cold" and never stayed long
before the advent of the thermal vest.

Balmier in summer, bright with flowers
the monks of Caldey cultivate for scent -
perfume means financial independence,
old vows of penury considered spent.

The tourist trade demands a fresh devotion
(don't certain florals have a holy smell?)
'though monastery tours admit men only,
monks run the village tea garden as well.

It's small wonder that the brothers look so cheerful -
as partners in a thriving business should -
aromas aid the path to meditation
and honest money smells so strangely good!