The seed breaks through its
Shell and reaches for the sun
The ants scurry and hurry
Working hard before having fun
Birds preen, squawk and twitter
Not resting for even a bit
Like humans when multitasking
Not wasting a single minute
Even winds gust up the leaves
To sweep the pavements awry
So yes I believe that hard work
Reaps rewards as time runs by.
My name is Niyol. Niyol from the tribe of Chalegai meaning “white caps”. My ancestors are descendants of the Great White Stallion from the plains and have ruled this land for as long as the sun has risen from the far ends.
The Taheene tribe roams alongside us and we live together in harmony. Taheene means “red soil”, for their kind are always born with a dusty skin of fiery brown. Our wise leaders tell us that we must help Taheene whenever we can because we are the Favoured Ones of the plains, born to be wiser and stronger than them. And so we have always taken care of Taheene, showing them where the best grass are, where the sweetest dew is.
One day, Niyol was running with the winds when Niyol fell into The Bottomless Black. It rained the night before and The Bottomless Black had turned into a pit of red clay. Niyol climbed out but was dirty and covered in red mud.
When Niyol was covered with red mud, Niyol discovered something.
Of the many Chalegai Niyol met, not one stopped to help Niyol. Not one cast his eyes on Niyol at all. Not one stopped to ask Niyol if he was broken.
Soon, Niyol came to a river. Niyol went into the river to become clean again. When Niyol came out from the waters, the river was a muddy fiery red.
And then Niyol understood.
Chalegai did not help Niyol because Niyol was red. Chalegai will bring the red Taheene to grass and water, but Chalegai will not help Taheene when Taheene in real trouble.
Chalegai not true wise, not true strong. Chalegai find grass, but not know strength of character. Chalegai find sweetest dew, but Chalegai not know wisdom of being.
Taheene know. Taheene bring Niyol go river. Taheene help Niyol like brother.
My name is Niyol. Niyol from the tribe of Chalegai meaning “white caps”. Niyol who choose to run with his fiery red brothers.
Makgeolli and flavoured beer
Renders an eclectic mix of
Feelings and impressions –
Advanced technology for all
Mannerless old men
Expressionless young people
Vibrant faucets of tourism brands
Glimmers of humane nature
‘midst frenzies of mundane lives
They shine for just a moment
Then leave with warmth for the nights
I guess everyone has their fair share
Of makgeolli and flavoured beer
Now come to think of it
They taste pretty good together.
Currently in Seoul, I remember being inspired by my guesthouse manager’s culinary creativity when I first arrived.
Wouldn’t every day be awesome if it began with a rainbow? 😉
Planning a trip
With all its scheduling
Selecting and arranging
Meanders around like a
Fat lazy snake
Stressful flight watching
Re-localizing
Watching out for
Everything
A stranger in town
Yet a warm friendly reception
Makes it worth all the while.
Awl and Scribe 