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Saturday, April 6, 2013

The outside world, too big for one poem?

Peggy has posted today's challenge for our poem-a-day month at the Imaginary Garden with Real Toads.
She asks us to write about "outside" — whatever that word means to us — and has posted two lovely photos, one of the mountains in Yosemite National Park and one of the beach at Big Sur, California.
Lindy cooling at the coulee
Just as I was about to sit down to respond to Peggy's challenge, our dog barked, wanting to go outside.
Outside can be, to some people, their own back yard, as it is to our dog Lindy, or it can be the streets and sidewalks of their own town or city. Lindy is equally happy walking with my husband to the nearby coulee to see possible wildlife, or walking to the post office to see friendly people. She doesn't care about picking up the mail.
Our back yard

For myself, I think about the world we've seen outside my own comfort zone. It isn't always easy visiting faraway parts of the world, but it is always interesting, and it is often exciting.

As my blog title implies, this started off to be a travel blog, so let's take a look at the outside world and see if it inspires me to versify.

Got on board an eastbound 747,
though it seems to me
I've used that line before,
but I guess it doesn't matter
I've just got to get at 'er
and show you what
the outside means to me.

We saw Paris in the springtime,
and cruised the Rhine and Danube
in the fall
when I was very sickly
and couldn't move as quickly
as my husband so I stayed aboard
the ship 'most all the time,
but I saw the Danube
and the Rhine,
with castles on the top of every hill.
I saw them,
and the memory's with me still.

Even when I went alone
across Canada by train
and almost missed
the sights of Montreal
for reasons of unruly health again:
I went there, and I did it,
I rested when needs must,
and left a piece of my heart 
on the bold east coast.

Though I grumble and cavil
and most likely always will,
if opportunity is
offered once again,
to the outside world I'll go,
in rain or shine or snow,
just to see what lies beyond that hill.

Kay Davies, 2013,
but don't quote me on that promise.

At Toronto train station

Above: France; Germany;

Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia; Switzerland. 

Visitor in our front yard







Costa Rica (Dick, on right)
Alaska


Baja, Mexico
Dominican Republic








Dick in China
Florida










Rome
Russia


Spain
The Netherlands



Galapagos Islands
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan








Ecuador
Hawaii









Gulf Islands, British Columbia
Quintana Roo, Mexico


















                                                                                     

Photos:
Kay Davies & Richard Schear

23 comments:

Kerry O'Connor said...

I envy you all your wonderful travels.

Kay L. Davies said...

Thanks, Kerry, I think. Actually, I'd rather people were inspired instead of envious, but I'll take what I can get.
I think the really big trips are behind us now, although we're thinking of Britain and Scandinavia some day. But this year we're just going to drive to British Columbia to see my family, and to introduce Lindy to her dog-cousins.
I can recommend British Columbia as one of the most beautiful places in the world.
K

Friko said...

I think I’ve asked you this before: Is there a continent you haven’t visited?

What memories you must have. Which place was your absolute favourite? Do you know?











Marian said...

no quoting! a woman is entitled to change her mind! i envy your travels, too, Kay. so great to visit via your blog.

Peggy said...

I am with you Kay, I love to travel. You just do what you have to do for health issues and go for it. We have been to several of the places you picture. I smiled at your dog's happiness to be outside and do things no matter where. Good point!

Unknown said...

I like your photos as much as your verse. The world is filled with wonders, and you've been lucky to see many.

Unknown said...

You have been to some amazing places! I enjoyed seeing your pictures!

Jenn Jilks said...

I'm with you, Kay. I so love those who CAN travel to share their travels with us. I never envy another person. I laud them, as it doesn't bring me down!
You have a beautiful blog and you are a beautiful person.
I spent the afternoon with a palliative client, giving respite to her adult sone who came home totally stoned. sigh.
I am happy that you take me away with you with your wonderful words and wonderful photos.
Cheers from Cottage Country!

Hannah said...

Oh, what a feast!!! Kay! This is a gorgeous post...the castles on every hill captured my heart!

Lolamouse said...

Wow! You've really gotten around. I commend you for tackling travel even when your health wasn't good. I don't think I could tolerate that. I'm more of a homebody, but occasionally my husband drags me somewhere and I end up enjoying it!

Fireblossom said...

I think Lindy's got the right idea. :-)

Linnea said...

What a wonderful tribute to your wanderlust! I enjoyed reading your words and viewing your photos. Thanks for visiting my sky!

Other Mary said...

Wow Kay! You are my hero! I'm going to the UK in a couple weeks, and I'm so worried because I'll be traveling alone for part of the trip. What a great spirit you have, and what amazing places you've seen!!!!

Anonymous said...

Kay, your blog title (not the "unfitty" part) certainly meets its match with this poem. Lord, I traveled for years as a musician, but that was work. I would love to hit the road someday soon and see Europe. OK, that's hitting the ocean, but you get... my drift! (groan)

Well done, Kay! Amy

Jo said...

OMW Kay, you have traveled widely. I don't see Africa but I know it's on your wish list! I love the photo of you on Toronto station the best but all are fascinating to a "stay-at-home" like me! The poem, as always is good too. Say hi to Richard for us and a big hug to you and Lindy too. Blessings. Jo

Powell River Books said...

You do get outside in a lot of way out places. You mentioned Yosemite. I remember camping there as a kid and seeing the Firefall. We also saw JFK in a motorcade. I loved swimming in the river and going to the campfire talks. - Margy

Jinksy said...

Hats off to one intrepid traveller!

Grace said...

Kay, travelling is one of my goals in life ~ I hope to visit these places someday and who knows, open up a travel blog too ~

Margaret said...

but I saw the Danube
and the Rhine,
with castles on the top of every hill.

Pure magic! Thanks ... and I'll have to search your blog for the Galapagos Islands!

ps. I don't see you have a search bar. Are you able to link me a post of yours on the above?

Jenn Jilks said...

I haven't managed this one, yet. Good for you/
Cheers from Cottage Country!

Kay said...

You have really been around... EVERYWHERE! This is so fantastic! Lucky you!

Madeleine Begun Kane said...

Delightful post, both photos and words!

Madeleine Begun Kane

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love it! Love the pictures!