Ms. Touter, Travel Agent

Weekdays she smiles across a cluttered desk Touting global trips in terms that bring Far places near; coloratura terms that sing Arias of the exotic, the picturesque. Our chic temptress of the tourist trail ... Milan's La Scala, The Taj Mahal, The Acropolis, Salzburg's Festival ... Has escape and wanderlust for sale. Around five, she files her brochures away And, after posting the outgoing mail, Drives cautiously homeward. Dullish gray Looms the landmark built in 1909: A homestead of Edwardian design Where she was born and is content to stay.