My debut novel "Johari's Window" is a romance story with the tale of a writer running alongside. The book features some of my favorite places in the world, and my memories. I always endeavor to create a sense of place in my writing. Perhaps this poem captures the genesis of my wanderlust and curiosity about the world.

When I was young, and just a girl
I wanted to travel around the world -
Casablanca, Marrakesh,
Rio de Janeiro and Budapest.
The more exotic the sound of the name,
the more I was drawn, like a moth to a flame.

I studied the atlas,
and stuck in pins
to highlight the places
where I would be going.
I planned plane journeys from East to West,
from Korea to Siberia,
and back again.

My aunt had a globe in her living room
and I spun it round and round, in a world of my own.
When it was getting dark, the globe seemed to shine
with continents so vast, and oceans sublime,
each night I imagined the people I would meet,
and how I’d introduce myself,
and what they’d say to greet
this small town girl with big,wide eyes,
that gazed into the distance, as if she was surprised.

Copyright Suzy Davies 04/10/2016. All Rights Reserved.