Hexagonal ceramic bowl fits comfortably in hand,
a gift from friends who returned from Coimboa.
Side edges are painted olive, tan and mustard, and
spiral shells nestle in the bosom of waves. On the lid
a marigold handle in the centre, and a blue bird of
happiness flies towards a rose in a garden of plenty.

I’ve been given this lovely token in appreciation of
watering their garden while they travelled to see
their son, who’s working abroad. By some strange
synchronicity my son rang me this evening to inform
me that he will soon be heading to Portugal where he
too will follow paths of artisans, pilgrims and poets.

Australia, our beautiful continent, has welcomed
people from more than a hundred and fifty nations;
and many of our youngsters are impelled to explore
the world, sometimes to trace their ancestry, and
other times they’re just seeking new adventures.