What isn't tied to China, now?

The true voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.

Every time I come back to Wisconsin, it looks different. I'm sure it's myself that's changing, but each trip home I notice new things that have seemingly always been here. Lightening bugs. Bats! Birds and stars. Stars! So many stars. Living in a city for four months that only allows a dim outline of the very brightest stars on exceptionally good nights really lights up the Wisconsin sky.

Depending on who asks, I have different answers as to the, "How was China?" question. "Interesting. Good. Hard. Hell." Living in a sin city of smog, dust, a suicidally inducing living/work situation in a foreign county and culture was not a walk in the park, though I did have some lovely strolls. That is one thing the Chinese know how to do well. City parks. Uh-huh.

Picking a flower, laying in the grass, hearing the sound of life around me, I think of all the millions of people in China who may never breathe clean air, drink natural water or see delphinius. When I lay in the grass and get up covered in leaves, smelling of clover, I remember that in Beijing, no one even puts their bags on the ground. If I layed down, my body would be covered in dust and be left smelling that China smell; garbage and industrial waste and humans everywhere.

I'll be leaving again soon, bound for Mars, I mean, Moab, Utah. But my heart will stay buried here, somewhere in the field flood lakes, green hills and morning valley mist. Stay strong Crawford County! You are one helluva place to come home to.

(I may return to China this fall, in which case, the travel blog ought to be more frequently updated. Until then, watch for some follow up picutres and China related blurbs. Thanks to Mr. J. Knowles for the print and matting of photos, which are available to view at the 'rents, and please to check out ongoing poetry at www.wrender.blogspot.com )

Love!