Travel Poem: Finland Poem by RIC BASTASA

vast forested wildernesses
Lemmenjoki National Park
and Oulanka National Park
wings of hawks and eagles

treks among the pines and
lakes in summer
in far north

It's a golden,
sunny season as Finland bursts

into life with an explosion of festivals,
good cheer
and optimism.

the towns are buzzing,
but it's also a time to head for the lakelands
of Mikkeli & around and
Lappeenranta.

Sit on the veranda of a waterside wooden cottage
and watch the summer sun shining
low over the trees,
and you'll have experienced
one of Finland's ultimate treats;

a real Nordic peace
that eases the soul.