China Travelogue 2

Journey starts Kunming portraits; Highway song Here old and new Merge yet apart; Vignettes juxtapose China welcomes Both ancient and modern; Sign of the times Tour group confronts Unfamiliar grounds; Rough edges grind Quaint ways of old Ancient tales displaced; Modern day norms intervene Spectacular vistas Natural wonders; Man seems insignificant Flood tide drowns Flushing away; False assumptions destroyed Gust of wind Reveals new passages; Knowing does not know Mountain peaks Valleys well-clustered; Fertile grounds well-used Everywhere we go People of all tribes; A Chinese pageant Human nature speaks Polite tones sway; Touch of humble quiet These Chinese people: Kind, warm, hospitable -- A touch of home Himalayan backdrop Mountains for company; Melodrama purged Methinks that I Could hideaway here; Unknown, undisturbed One sure currency: The Chinese language; Pervasive, ubiquitous Vast is the land Far as our eye span; Beyond imagery Trades of all sorts Risk is a sure thing; Living is risky business Ancient towns Showpieces that speak; In steady silence Rivers and streams Winding into quaint towns; Ancient as old time Pulse of the moment Camera shutter snapshots; Still life captured Picture posture By this arched bridge; Keepsake souvenir Sensory pursuits Old Town bazaars; Hasty trinkets acquired Silver artisans Hammer away; Creations of white metal Bric-bracs scattered Awaiting curious eyes; That impulse buy in tow Round this village Tourist show piece; Modern commerce prevails Bargains await Hungry customers; Weathered Oriental wares In this roundabout square Locals and tourists stride; Seek new-found distractions Spring time weather Hot and dry and windy; Like home without humidity Our tour guide -- Cautions that silver jewellery Best bought from reputable shops Cheap price often Compromises quality; Authentic stuff cost much more Lessons unlearnt On-the-road trade routes; Return odd regrets A silver bangle Heavy with 99 percent; Quality speaks tons Scattered eateries Street vendors offer; Glimpses that never die So much to see, Words fail description; Feelings explore facts Only ten days here We see yet do not see; Only vague interpretations All too soon Sojourn over; Yunnan in mind mists Leon Enriquez 31 May 2014 Singapore