This year I heard for the first time about the Moken from a fellow writer on a writing course with the Penguin Random House Writers Academy. I was intrigued by their simple and beautiful way of life. Here is a poem I wrote about them.
Sea Gypsies of Myanmar
Their universe is the turquoise ocean
Anchored
By the umbilical cords of their children
They are born, live and die
On hand-built boats
A mirage of flotillas rolling
On the swell beneath the setting sun
Divers and beachcombers
Take only what they need
Living on the islands
In houses toppling on stilts
During the monsoons’
Heavy rain
Blustery winds
And big seas
But there is no protection
From death, the bends
And exploitation
The world is closing in
Free image found on silverphoenixtravelmyanmar.com
writing in north norfolk 