Food for Thought (a backpacker's poem)
'Why do you do it?' friends often ask, perplexed,
Brows raised, minds sorely vexed. 'The world out there is dangerous! Aren't you scared? Why do this? You need steady work, a house, two cars! You have only a motorbike, and sleep under stars!' Dear friend, if you must ask, you cannot know This curiosity that drives me so. To you it is hidden; in me rises unbidden! But one day the world I'll have ridden By iron steed, then perhaps this need Will have vanished, finally vanquished! That day will find me on deathbed, With no regrets for the life I led. Will you be able to say the same? Or will you despair a life worn plain? I will stake my Himalayan memories Against your estate of a thousand trees. Pit my Thai sunset Against your private jet. Weigh my horse rides at sunrise To your Italian suits and ties. I'll rejoice in friends before I go, Not the figures of my stock portfolio. And, amazingly, there are more like me; They reject slavery, and are truly free. They took the chance we all had, And honestly it makes me sad That you didn't. You thought you couldn't... What? Live without the luxuries Of all our modern amenities? You choose the bonds of mortgage, but claim to be free, Wasting a lifetime absorbed by TV. Why watch it? but live it! One life's all you get! Don't put off 'til morrow and continue to borrow The lives of strangers; 'tis the greatest of dangers To the soul Which grows old Before its time. Hercules, Columbus, Guevara, Odysseus, Champlain, Agamemnon, The list goes on... What have they in common? Regardless man or god, The soil of continents they trod, Not in search of gold but adventure! Not growing old 'cause they ventured Far from safety; but far be it from me To Judge... The pitiless pity us With souls black pitted. Pray! save it for those less spirited. For us... our horizons are unlimited. by James Richmond, Canada |
Rio de Janeiro - Rodoviária (bus station)
Just passing through - on my way from Ilha Grande (for scuba diving) to Arraial do Cabo (for more scuba diving). Most of my load is comprised of scuba equipment and camera gear, with only very little clothing. Though I have other, more "dramatic", backpacking photos from other trips, this one is more indicative of this trip in Brasil. Lugging all that scuba equipment was a challenge, but worth it. (I, too, am currently accustomed to my lifestyle of house and amenities. But some day I will take my travels to the next level, like in the poem. Sell everything, and just go...) |