The Tourist's Eye

This poem attempts to portray, the perspective of a tourist in England. (I did not specifically have London in mind). Also, it aims to make the reader think, of the contrast between presentation and reality.

They say that the camera never lies,

but think of what is seen through a tourist's eyes,

sometimes I wonder,

what it is that they know,

which attracts them so?

 

Is it our land,

once so green and pleasant,

the clear sky above,

or the taste of pheasant?

 

History guides and internet sites,

never really show more than they can hide,

to sweeten and chasten the mind,

is it us or them who are blind?

 

The popular sights hide a twilight world,

of missed opportunities in this cruel place,

despite the guidebooks,

and human faith,

who knows what they really might face?

 

Beggars and buskers,

closing down sales,

litter in abundance,

few Police are around,

 

What happened to pride,

and the Union Jack,

morality is mocked,

"Big Brother" is back!

Reviews

[Dianah]

Yes, London and most places are multi layered . It is good to see it from a refreshing point of view. I think it depends a lot on your mood or state of mind and the weather. Like, like most cities encompass extremes of wealth and poverty, heaven and hell. I think tourists are often protected from the harsh reality of a place wherever it is in the world. A good poem, Julian.

[Marie]

For me, the words in this finely penned poem could refer to any country in the world one visits. One has to visit to see the reality of life in another country. Holiday brochures give little insight into the 'real deal'. Thank you for sharing, dear poet...

[Twilight]

No, Marie. It is a poem based on my real experiences of living in London, for much of my earlier life. Of course, my observations could refer to other countries; because some countries share similar problems and strengths. Sadly, you have misunderstood.

[Marie]

Thank you for kindly letting me know, dear poet...

You raised some interesting points. I think tourists rarely, if ever, see the true side of places they visit. I agree with what you wrote about big brother at the end (*insert laugh, avoid typing lol*). I'll see you around Writers Cafe.

[J Carly]

As a 'tourist' of sorts, currently living in England, I have to say I like it. And I found many similarities between your country and others in the way that the beauty tourists seek is often as overplayed in the guidebooks as it is overshadowed by litter and ugliness, and therefore overlooked by the country's inhabitants. I was amazed at how many people I met here that had never bothered to go to London or any other normal tourist destination. But, then again, I'm from Florida, and I've never been to Disney World. I suppose when something is in your own back garden, why spend money to see it? Americans go in search of the world, and the world goes in search of America, and the like. Wonderfully written, but I might point out a typo in the first stanza. It happens to us all, but perhaps you won't be offended by my pointing it out. Well done!

[Susan]

very true of any country you go to...I thought this was well thought out and written. good job.

[deeps]

I really like this one it has truth in it
Very well expressed and written