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This past weekend, I found myself weaving through the vibrant tapestry of London’s bustling streets. Some carry with them a preconceived notion, whispered and widely accepted: that Londoners are a reserved bunch, particularly on the labyrinthine threads of public transport. Yet, my experience painted a different picture—a canvas filled with unexpected strokes of friendliness and openness.
It’s curious how a simple “hello” can thaw the frostiest of demeanours. Indeed, some individuals were tough shells to crack, a phenomenon not unique to this city but common wherever humans gather. The initial hesitation seemed rooted in issues of trust and security, but genuine interest and respect quickly bridged that gap, leading to warm exchanges and smiles that softened the sternest of faces.
I had been reading a companion of sorts—Edward Hirsch’s How to Read a Poem and Fall in Love with Poetry. This isn’t your average introduction to verse. Hirsch dives deep, guiding the reader through the layers and rhythms of poetry.
One segment that particularly resonated with me was his exploration of Walt Whitman’s “To You.” In it, Whitman extends an invitation to the reader, a call to engage in the simplest yet most profound act of connection: conversation.
“Stranger, if you are passing, meet me and desire to speak to me,
Why should you not speak to me?
And why should I not speak to you?”
Reflecting on these experiences, I am reminded of the essential truth that we often meet each other at our best when we are open to the world and to new interactions. As travellers and as humans, when we are removed from the everyday stresses and immersed in the joy of discovery, we find it easier to revel in the beauty each person has to offer.
Through the simple yet profound act of speaking to a stranger, I rediscovered the enduring power of human connection—a theme as timeless as any poem and as beautiful as any landscape. Whether in the heart of a bustling city or the tranquillity of the Highlands, it seems we are all just waiting for someone to extend a hand, open a dialogue, and connect. In doing so, we weave ourselves into a larger human story, one conversation at a time.
Interestingly, one of the most fascinating conversations took place 2000 years ago and someone recorded it:
Luke 24:13-35 NIV - On the Road to Emmaus - Now that same - Bible Gateway
