A Poem to Hold You Over

It might take a bit of time for me to completely document my fall break adventures on this blog, as I had countless experiences each and every day of my travels.  And, consequently, I also have lots of photos, which I have to edit and sift through.  Also, as I am now back to the grind of schoolwork, blog posts and pictures will have to be chipped away at whenever I get a free moment.  But alas, they are on their way!

As for now, I am still mulling over (in amazement) the amount of people I met while traveling. It's quite interesting how approachable people are when they're alone - or at least this is what I found to be the case, or...mainly in Amsterdam, that is.  As I was alone, people talked to me.  There were no barriers between me and them.  Just a silent, raw person, eating dinner or sitting down, waiting to be conversed with.  It was exciting!  Being free and open to any and all conversation that came my way.  And every single person fascinated me.  Each person created a new experience and spoke to a different part of my being - despite any language barrier.  So much so, that they have inspired me in many ways.  Ways I can't even really explain.

However, I have tried.  Or rather, felt it necessary.  After seeing another show tonight for my Modern Drama in Performance class, a creative spark was ignited.  A button was pushed.  My mind was itching to express itself.  And after some reflection and journaling about the wonderful people I met throughout my travels, this poem came out:

People. Person.

people. people everywhere.
characters.
beings.
stories.
interactions.
making connections with each encounter.
memories formed.
impressions established.
are they passing?
with each hello comes another goodbye.
humanity.
blurry faces.
shaking hands or kissing cheeks.
introductions.
backgrounds.
question and answer.
intrigue.
is it chance?
who will be the next person to change your life?
or is it a collective act?
temporary families.
simple comforts.
welcoming arms.
community.
people.
person.

I am not ignoring you and I will update you soon, but hopefully this holds you over till then ;)

Proost!

Peter Patter

As promised, here is the poem inspired by this statue, my 21st birthday, and the experience that is captured in this photo:

Peter Patter

Peter Pan is a little boy

as many of the fairytales say

who wanted to stay forever young

and play with his friends all day

I'll never grow up

Never grow up I tell you

I'll never grow up 

Never grow up I say

        Getting older is no fun

           there's too much you have to do

              So I'd rather be a younger kid

                 than go the other way

Peter felt that growing up 

was too difficult a task

If you ever questioned his opinion

all you'd have to do is ask

I don't wanna grow up

Don't wanna grow up I tell you

I don't wanna grow up

Don't wanna grow up I say

        There are too many troubles I'd have to face

           I hate what lies ahead

              So I'd much rather stay a bright-eyed kid

                 than go the other way

As Peter matured he realized

the changes his body faced

It wasn't so easy to fight them now

and they had to be embraced

I'm growing up

Growing right up I tell you

I'm growing up

Growing right up I say

        As I learn more about the world

           I know it is a must

              But truly my desire remains still

           to retreat the other way

As he got older Peter came to encounter

many feelings of regret

But he also missed the good times of the past

and therefore looked at the future with fret

I hate growing up

Hate growing up I tell you

I hate growing up

Hate growing up I say

        I don't know if it's good or bad

           I'm confused as to what to do

              I'd rather stay right here right now

              than venture either way

But Peter started to come to terms with

the fact that he must grow

And he started to get excited that

there was so much more to know

I love growing up

Love growing up I tell you

I love growing up

Love growing up I say

        The people and places out there to explore

           will make me who I am

              But I also now know the full impact of what still

                 remains the other way

Peter has fully accepted it now

and he quite enjoys the ride

Now he sees the benefits of growing

and encourages others not to hide

Enjoy growing up

Enjoy growing up I tell you

Enjoy growing up

Enjoy growing up each day

        I know it may seem fast and scary

           Everyone feels that too

              But look at the hope and joy to come

For there is no other way

London is Calling

A door opens
across the sea
It has me wondering
who I could be

I take the leap
and step inside
And there's no room 
to try and hide

A whole new journey
I'm about to start
It tosses my stomach
and flutters my heart

The great unknown
is what awaits
As time counts down
to my departure date

I feel as prepared
as I can be
But there's no preparing
to meet the new me

My body's excited
for this new change of scene
My heart can't wait
to see what "life-changing" can mean

My mind is anxious
to be tested and tried
While my soul is yearning
to travel far and wide

Life has prepared me
for this overwhelming trip
Independence and curiosity
have me well-equipped

I say my goodbyes
to the comforts of home
Throwing caution to the wind
because I'm ready to roam

I look forward to the future
and eagerly say hello
Knowing these next few months
provide an opportune time to grow

I shut the door behind me
to what I currently know
For London is calling me
and there I must go.