The Finns
The Finns take off their shoes, even before the doorstep.
They leave a wallet to guard a seat.
They will stand at the crossing, waiting for a green light
at five o'clock on a Cristmas morning.
They have learned in recent years to eat croissants
but will make do with chopped turnip if that's all there is.
The Finns are masters of caution.
Belt fastened, helmet on, hat pulled over the ears,
reflective vest, safety gloves, steel toecaps,
boss's permission, ID card, first aid training.
Only then should you showel snow!
Still - the fourth most common cause of death is accident,
most often by falling.
How embarrassing!
If the fall doesn't kill you,
you might die of shame.
Heli Laaksonen/The Nature of Finnish Nature
