Landsman

I never thought that there would be
A landsman here in Tennessee,
Who shares my background and my ways
And celebrates my holidays.

A chance encounter - who'd expect
The east and south to so connect?
A few quick words, enough to tell
This person knows from kvetch and kvell.

Surprisingly, our paths crossed twice.
In Memphis, once would not suffice;
Where strangers want to share their food,
There's haimish in that attitude.

It might be fate that brought this meeting -
Lively, fun but oh, so fleeting,
To remind us - look around
For kindred spirits may be found.