Stamps

Stamps, perforated passport squares, Took me oft where I wished to be On my own low budget world tour Warm, safely tucked in dad’s armchair. I loved to dream in dad’s warm chair A young wallflower who would dare Brave adventures safe in my head Free from boldness, courage, and dread. Flipping album pages happily, On safari in Kenyan lands Lions and leaping gazelles roamed free Yet touched by fingers of my hands. On expeditions I went too Daring danger in my armchair Reaching the South Pole without dogs Unlike the frozen Robert Scott. Special fun were armchair cruises On Captain Cook’s long lime-fed trips Skirting blue coralline lagoons And braving windy polar seas. Major countries - I saw them all From Trafalgar to Taj Mahal. I loved the sight of Singapore And beaches of Aruba’s shore. Ladies danced in Italy; Belly dancers in Araby; Hip-swinging girls in Hawaii And clog dancers in Germany. Over lands and seas I passed through Many creatures passed in review: Albatross, porpoise, and blue whales Butterflies, lemurs, and conch snails. As around the world I now roam I never dreamed my acquired taste Could leave dad’s albums drowned by dust, Forsaken for my wanderlust. 6/17/2020