Colombia Reflections

I have been transformed

It does not take long 

And it is surprising

Upon my return to the comforts of home

To feel disquieted—my spot on the sofa

Is not the Goldilocks spot anymore 

“Just right” is not indoors 

For a while after travel

Experiences 

New and unexpected

Elusive endemic birds heard

Then seen—then touched 

Violetear. Sparkling. Sipping nectar

Sitting on my outstretched hand

Then he is gone

Memory on the wing

Flavors of yuca, coconut rice, zapote 

Savored, 

Consumed

Rice added to thick bean soup and

Stringy fruit sucked from pits 

Plates scraped clean with

Arepas con queso 

Or forks

Or tongues 

Llena y contenta 

Landscapes

Beach, mangrove swamp, cloud forest

Walking, floating, climbing

Each step somewhere new 

Each step something new 

Each step both closer and away

Taking in all the smells

All the sounds and

Becoming a part of all of it all 

Yet leaving no trace

Receiving so much in return

For my presence there

La gente de Colombia

Hay personas alegres 

Ni mejor ni peor 

Solamente diferente 

Mujeres fuertes 

Dancing, drumming

Laughing, living

Caring for their Colombia

Inviting me to join in

And I listen and I see and 

I do join in

I drink with the Wayuú 

And I am fed by the people

A young woman traces my path 

On my face with pigment and oil

And I am transformed