wandering south

like geese seeking the warmth
or swallows searching for sunlight
I err on a path of enlightenment
towards the kindhearted aspects of life
gentle friendships
tender words
delicate laughter

in the warmer climates
nature teaches lessons
and calm prevails, more often than not
until modern civilization arrives
with its agenda of newness
their pleasure is to shoot the geese
destroying swallow's nests for food
and illumination comes from mass entertainment
where violence reigns
people scream to be heard
and mirth is forgotten, or subtly hysterical

along my wandering
I have only found a warm cave
where the entrance is snow-covered
many come there on pilgrimage
observing another time
when life remains simple
when fear is forgotten
and a smile means "welcome"



wandering south
29 october, 2006
[2006.29.10d]
(Third Place Winner in Lexi's Poetry Challenge, round 32)