Under Down Under

I think Under Down Under is a perfect culmination of a SMALL obsession I developed in the Fall of 2009.  I got restless...really restless.  Probably as a result of being military for 20 years and moving every 3-4 years.  I found that Winterset, Iowa (where I currently live), is located at about 41 degrees north latitude.  So I grabbed the globe in my living room, turned it upside down and spun it until I hit land.  My finger came to rest on Tasmania, Australia.  Then I headed for the Internet.  I learned everything I could about Tasmania and looked at every picture I could find.  I found a job and a house there.  I was ready to GO!  When you read Under Down Under, you will see why. 

Not just a state, but a new state of mind.

No locale on Earth, like this will you find.

A small spot down under, ‘round 42 South

Smitten the moment it fell from my mouth.

TASMANIA! I pondered, why hadn’t I thought

To digest its beauty? Right then on the spot…

A hare-brained idea to pack up and move

To reseat my roots- carve out a new groove.

White sandy beaches and fresh air galore!

My heart yearns to visit and learn even more.

But who will go with me, who dares leave the States?

To start again over as expatriates.

For we only live once we often chance not

To fulfill our dreams stuck in the same spot

By a show of hands who’ll go with me there

No pomp, circumstance, or gaudy fanfare

Ain’t nothing like her in such a small place

So many environs she brightens my face

Waterfalls, jungles, and rolling hills too.

Mountains and forests and Devils, a few

So much to see that I want to share

And did I mention the world’s cleanest air?

A long way away out over the sea

This heaven on earth is waiting for me

Won’t you please join me in Tassie today?

If just for a moment or forever to stay.

Under down under I do long to go

Alone or together I just gotta go.