Local Color

'Rye porridge' being served at Harvest Festival.

Koli, Finland (photo by TD)

Local Color

9/10/11

I love being off beaten path

traveling backroads of mind or world

exploring Existence with a pioneering eye

to experience something not read about,

perhaps only hinted at in brochures

when going to visit distant lands,

though it helps immensely when blessed

by guiding hand knowing the territory

especially if companion is dear friend

who shares language of mind, heart,

spirit, while able bodied, up for

grand adventure with innocent from abroad

who stirs pot of what's routine

by sometimes delivering different perspective,

this is true whenever I'm visited

at home by distant loved one,

often surprised as reaction or response

gifts an expanded understanding of humanity,

life, how I see myself, others,

the surrounding landscape, spurring creative ideas

as to unique way of engaging,

revealing, enlightening staid conceptions I hold,

perhaps I also bring refreshing outlook

remembered by those so kind, generous,

loving, who gave precious time

showing me local color and culture.