I Just Came To Visit

I came for a visit, and perhaps to stay.

Except for friends and family, I was un-welcomed.

At least it seemed that way.

Your language was not my strong point.

That makes me nervous and unsure.

I marveled at the peace in the neighborhood.

Coming from my own small town,

it seemed at first that everyone here knew everyone, too.

The smiles, the handshakes, the waving hands in passing,

I thought “how like my home!”

But there were differences, too.

At home it seems as if we work all the time.

When we do go home, the children watch TV.

The adults busy themselves with the routine.

We clean and cook, repair and improve.

We work side-by-side together.

Here the people are divided, just like the chores.

I prefer our way, a way in which we partner.

Here you call time spent together “a date.”

We call time spent together “life and loving.”

Capitalism allows all of us to buy and sell.

Where I come from buying and selling is done with cash.

Here it seems that everyone buys with promises to pay later.

I know I am new to this way of living.

I may form habits that can make me look “normal.”

I have some habits I hope I never lose.

It doesn’t matter how long or short my stay.

Some habits just make sense wherever I am.

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Copyright 2013 Demas W. Jasper All rights reserved.