Few months ago, i visited Eksjö to meet the museum team of that small Swedish town in the county of Småland. On my way back to my station, I stopped by at the table of a street vendor who was selling flowers. Flowers always represented hope when I saw them in Mogadishu where we had and still have more bombs in the streets than flowers. My purpose was to make quick observation to write a poem or a short story about the difference of the two streets--- the ones I used to wander and those of today. But suddenly something more powerful than that has grabbed my attention. Like the frenzy of a teenage infatuation, I was shaken by a single glimpse at an old women buying flowers--probably for her hundred´s birthday--while sitting on her wheel chair with the aid of a helper. I was deeply moved by her energy and love of nature. Then i approached her helper, a woman in her mid thirties, and asked her if I could greet this wonderful soul and take pictures. "Sure" she replied. I took few shots and will upload them later on.

I write this short poem for eksjö but dedicate it to Ingrid (not known her real name)who defies age and beats its betrayals with weapons of integrity.

Esjö
You are green and peaceful
I love you dear lovely town
Your beauty is buried in the past
But shines through the eyes of today
You are common with the most uncommon
As elders have energy in their smile
They inspire more than the young folk
I loved the sparkle in Ingrid´s eyes
She was old and frail physically
But strong and powerful in spirit
Embracing the future with dreams of love