This poem was written soon after returning to Australia from a sojourn of over 12 months in Geneva, Switzerland.
This trip was undertaken to support my father-in-law who had undergone a heart-bypass operation. During the months that we were there we moved some 10 times, meaning that we were also able to experience a little of what that region of Switzerland and France had to offer. Things ranging from beautiful summers with meals in the garden to cold days of minus 12 degrees Celsius.
Also, found employment with the United Nations agencies based there in Geneva.
Farewell Geneva
Autumn has come again here in Switzerland, colours of blue, green, gold and red.
The blue of the sky, the green of the conifers and pines, the gold of the aspen, birch, elm and cedar, and the red of the ash and maple leaves just before they fall.
The mornings are cool and the afternoons temperate, and in the evening the city lights reflect in the stillness of the lake.
And the crystal-clear rivers keep on flowing, down the mountain to the lakes and onward to the sea.
We’ve been, seen, and tasted, driven over rugged craggy passes, and through lush green pasture with dairy cows grazing, while hearing the melodious sounds of their bells.
The high mountain views and clear blue lakes that go on as far as the eye can see.
And oh, the cheeses such variety and delicate tastes that words cannot describe.
And the crystal-clear rivers keep on flowing, down the mountain to the lakes and onward to the sea.
The people: white, black, yellow and tan are everywhere, to be seen in costumes un-associated with this local scene.
The local, the worker, the beggar, the tourist, they go about their daily tasks with cares and woes that only they know.
And the crystal-clear rivers keep on flowing, down the mountain to the lakes and onward to the sea.
Of the people that I have met here, from TEN, ILO, ICF, UNCTAD, WMO, WHO, and the Baha’is.
There are a special few with whom we share a very special bond.
We have laughed and cried and shared experiences.
I will be saddened to leave their good company, and they know who they are.
And the crystal-clear rivers keep on flowing, down the mountain to the lakes and onward to the sea.
The traffic here has given way to busses, bikes and scooters, as the distances are near and transport is inexpensive.
The dense population live in buildings rising from the street some eight floors, with construction styles that span at least five centuries.
And the crystal-clear rivers keep on flowing, down the mountain to the lakes and onward to the sea.
And now my time here in Geneva town has come to an end, we have been, seen, tasted and experienced this beautiful country.
I have packed my swag, and said my farewells, soon to return to the country of my birth.
And the crystal-clear rivers keep on flowing, down the mountain to the lakes and onward to the sea.
Here to start a new project, a new adventure, who knows where this new road will take us, and who will share this journey at our side.
I am sure that there will be new experiences and learnings along the way.
I look forward to the challenge this new experience brings, with my life-partner Briar, at my side.
And the crystal-clear rivers keep on flowing, down the mountain to the lakes and onward to the sea.
Luigi Giuseppe Vittorio
5 Oct 2007
Revised 7 Jan 2008