Xenophilia
with thanks to Mike Cope

Elixir, enrichment, enchantment,
ointment for boredom,
balm for the lost and
tonic for trapped souls.

Saviour of grace,
you make the wealthy generous
and expand the minds of the poor,
vitamin against inertia,
replenisher of energies,
zany lover who sees the plenty there is.

Gift of life to itself every day,
you are the secret of eternal youth,
curiosity’s bliss,
beneficiary of earth’s bounty –
Xenophilia, zealously I seek you!

 - Silke Heiss, 1st July 2026
For a live reading of this poem, click here