Sylvia's Journal

I tried to find the fish
Below the surface
Of the dark waters of the pond
Sometimes I saw their lips
Coming up for air
And I thought of the things
Everyone talks about

I watch their lips and search
For what’s below the waterline
Glimpses, vague outlines
And then suddenly
I am showered with
bubbles everywhere,
Like effervescent tablets
in a glass of water

as I listen to Laksmi’s passion
breathing life into her people,
her acts of generosity
Breathing life into is
What it means to inspire

Breathless I listen to Afsana,
Rajani, Tina, Neela, Lynne
Carmen, Anna, Carole, Susan
I have a weakness for strong women
I find so many here
No nothing wrong with the men
But scaling up with heart and care
Needs strong women

Awed by our hosts
Who are flawless in my mind,
A royal welcome at the airport
Whisked safely past potholes and
Frightening oncoming traffic
In the dark, delivered
Safely in this paradise
BRAC taking us in as family

I came with hand luggage only
But now the suitcase doesn’t close
So full of new connections
The weight of countless business cards
Heavy and light ideas
Jumbled together
To sort out during days of travel back

And knowing much better now
The shape of the hidden fish

Rajendrapur, December 5, 2008