Joyful Ruins

Poem #1

I love exploring

little unexpected towns

meeting shop owners

seeing their stores

care and effort

to feel the heart of the place

from the color of the buildings

to the signs in the window

and the smiling or unsmiling faces

It’s like reading a story

catching a glimpse

of a life

different than mine

and sharing it with them

for a time

Poem #2

Little towns

wherever you are

I am so happy

you are scattered about this world

holding warmth

quirkiness

and slower pace

I like to escape to you

and breathe deeply

and smile

and delight

at your treasures