An End-of Tour Poem
By J. Kemper Will
November 15, 2004

Bicycles, cliffs, the Bund, swan dumplings and tea;
China lured us and, ah, what wonders to see.

We choked in Beijing and assaulted the Great Wall;
We stared at the Clay Soldiers and tumbling Yangtze saw.
There was dancing in Lijiang and scarves and jewelry,
And a cultural feast with Pat's friend in Dali.
Then on to Nanjing and a train to Soujou.
We were stunned by the bright Bund and the small shoes too.

Oh the embroidery and bright silk brocade;
We left our RMB at every shopping arcade.
Aren't we image-saturated, now at journey's end,
Of driving close-calls, rich buffets, of new Chinese friends.

Our group meshed so well, Jin said the best,
And we had great city guides, like Jeff, sweet May and Agnes.

First, five men, lighter in wallets, but hearts bigger by far.
Ladies, thank our patience (but thank God for the bar).

Ray, Tom, Kemp, Rich argued the upcoming U.S. elections,
Then probed China's future with endless questions.
Maci avoided the political wrangle,
But always perceived the artistic angle.

Now the ladies, who excitedly followed their needlework love,
Willing to endure each squat toilet, each shove.

Nobly representing Canada were the gracious Liliane and Marjorie,
Respectively so perceptive and full of vitality.
The six Denver ladies shared their spirit and articulation;
In other words, there never was a lull in lively conversation.

Gail laughed and laughed while failing chopstick dexterity;
Warm Jacquie coyly tried bath gel labeled "uncomplimentary."
Now Jody was engaging, of course Ray was correct,
"She is the most interesting person I have ever met."

You could count on Peggy to be observant, camera-ready,
And Elaina's really friendly, though her feet a bit unsteady.
That leaves Mellie, spirited, curious, a good listener;
What incredible good fortune to chance upon her sister!

Jane overcame rocky walks, a cold, a pilfered wallet,
Yet smiled with the orphans and at the Lijiang ballet.
Nancy and Linda were our ambassadors of trade,
Bargaining and buying beads, jewelry, fabric, jackets, scarves,
silk, cloisonné, pearls, painted bottles, painted leaves
and, oh yes (you thought I lost the rhyme), brocade.

Now these unique experiences like Lijiang and Mr. He,
Pat expertly devised from many explorations by her.
Now we understand her love of these people,
And know that the planning was far from simple.