A Culture Shock I Experienced

In the world as I went on with my journey of life I found myself in places unfamiliar,

Everything was strange and new sights and sounds were peculiar and made my mind confused,

I was a foreigner having stepped into unknown territories and checked into chaotic surroundings,

The sun high up in the sky seemed to add into my pain as the scorching heat made me sweat profusely,

Here I was, in a new place with no friends to guide me and loved ones to find me place to lay my head,

For upon the winds of fate I had set off to a far away land where everybody seemed to enjoy life,

Their music and dancing was a sight to behold and in every task they were as like ants,

There I found that the customs I had known were not reflected in their life and I felt alone,

Between the background I came from and my new home I had undergone a quick transformation,

Here everything I had know as a norm was secondary as they had their own way of life,

My life seemed deranged as the shock penetrated into my system and changed me,

I had found myself in a home I did not prepare for and a strange place I seemed unwelcomed,

There customs were different ethos I had known were impracticable here I became a stranger,

No one there would abide by the norms I had known for ages but bend them to fit their will and life,

Their dialect my mind could not apprehend and their language was like a noise to my ears,

Stepping into a foreign place where people were different gave me a strangely intriguing culture shock,  

The fashion there was new to me and their food made me throw up anytime I tried to take it,

I became so lost just like a fish out of water their world was strange and unknown with bizarre lifestyle,

Each morning they began by offering sacrifices and their horrific rituals even my eyes could not fathom,

This left me yearning for my home where I had grown, a place full of possibilities and happiness,

I knew I had to find my way in and adjust really fast, for I had to get myself into the circle to survive,

People looked friendlier and welcoming for everyone you met on the way gave you a smile,

But where I came from no one could trust a smiling face for the heart might be planning your downfall,

Yet here I was in a foreign land full of strangers learning to adapt and get into the good books of natives,

I was to learn new ways of living in unfamiliar territories, the life I have never before seen,

My mind had to be bold and my heart had to open up to embrace the peculiar culture,

Being a journey of self discovery in a new terrain I had to prepare my mind to be brave,

For the heart and body can swing through any storm in life if the mind can stand it,

Even in that seemingly chaotic world with no familiar faces and sights I found a new life,

I began to expand my horizons and began to learn how to drift towards a world of friendship,

And in that moment of awe and wonder far away from home I became accepted into a new community,

It was no more a strange place, people were no more different to me but we were all with one accord,

I found hope in their way of life and found joy in the things they did and this brought a smile to my lips,

Slowly with each passing day I began to embrace more and more of their culture and lifestyle,

The bond of friendship was born and my new identity began to unfold and manifest to our utter joy,

Having found a solid ground to stand on as I was no more shocked like the first time I stepped there,

A new life was brought forth, a life that shone brightly and revealed a life outside my abode,

Here in my new home I discovered a beauty without restrain as I journeyed through this new terrain,

I understood that there was a world out there beyond what I once knew, a place waiting to be explored,

The challenge was to adjust but now I had began to open up my heart and feel the blissful moments,

In their kindness, warmth and hospitality I could dream again for their ways I have known,

A great lesson I learnt, in our differences we find beauty and in humility we create indestructible bond,

The world being place of wonders and opportunities we still get the call of endless grace that unites us,

In diverse cultures we find fulfilment and we can celebrate each other’s uniqueness and lifestyle,

Through this culture shock I began to feel whole again as my soul was enriched with hospitality,

My feet were eager to dance to their music and my heart open to embrace their life,

Their singing was no longer a noise to my ears since I could understand every word from their mouth,

Their food and clothing had captured my heart leaving me thrilled and creating a lasting impression,

Culture shock one cannot plan for it and its impact to someone’s life is too huge to behold,

People are indifferent to you and you become isolated and lonely in the midst of the crowd,

Looking at the world from a different angle you have to start the process of adjusting,

Yet in all these one gets to understand that life has much to offer and every culture has its roots,

There is a reason why people have different beliefs and hold onto the ways of their forefathers,

There is a reason for everything that happens under the sun no matter how we take it,

When you meet people with a different culture it is good to let them be out of mutual respect,

The universe has so many to offer and we are all some piece that fits in to complete the whole picture,