Inside Out and Upside Down

o solo mio
musical notes drift
through mists that play
at peek a boo
on the English riviera

as sail boats with
their tall proud masts
sway within the harbour
basin to salt water’s
gentle tune

grey day drizzle
grows greyer

the lighthouse cafe
with its Italian theme
serves an early breakfast
of brie and bacon paninis
we indulge

an ambience of warm
continental and cordial
embraces while coffee
aplenty awaits

as rain dampens
little puddles pool
on lonely outside tables

a stone’s throw away
three homeless souls
sleep without a roof
over their heads

yet breakers of law
fill our plush four star hotels
as guests of government
without backbone or brains

blind and deaf
to the plight of veterans
and its own citizens
fallen on hard times

Reviews

[Sami Khalil]

The have and have nots are a constant reality in the world, the affluent and the poor souls, the mighty and the weak, the fortunate and the unfortunate...the list goes on. I agree that governments should do more, should have their citizens as their first and foremost priorities. In the U.S. and many other countries, their are huge gaps on all of that. One percent( as I read) own 90 percent of the wealth; some help charities and such, but untold others are all about themselves.
I do not help crooked organizations, but I do with legitimate ones like St. Jude hospital and such.
Thank you for raising the awareness. You have a big heart.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sami for your share. We have useless government and the shower in waiting aren’t any better. I despair of politicians who do not put the interests of their citizens first. We have huge social problems here. I appreciate you. Have a good Monday.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

All the best. You are welcome Chris.

[Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn..]

Chris,

You have wonderfully penned a beautifully candid and honest tribute your nation's veterans, and damn fine slap in the face to those who exist off of their sacrifices, and that without a clue ...

Marve

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Marve. We do not do enough for our veterans. I find it shameful when we are so generous to those less deserving. I appreciate you and your time.

Chris

[e]

I really liked this poem!! Very nice :))

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your visit and for sharing your thoughts. Have a lovely day.

Chris

[e]

You too chris ,
Erin :))

[Coyote Poetry]

Same here in Michigan.
"blind and deaf
to the plight of veterans
and its own citizens
fallen on hard times"
The homeless are mainly veterans in the USA. Been forgotten by the government. Thank you dear Chris for sharing the powerful and worthwhile words.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you my friend. Uncaring governments who waste our money on their vanity projects. Makes me mad and you too. Take care.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Here in Michigan. Veteran organizations and the churches do their best to help the homeless dear Chris.

[Soren]

Chris the contrast of different levels of human existence is evident in this poem to social inequity and injustice. Life is not fair and neither are governments or people. Unfortunately the poor will always be with us. I love the metaphor of the sail boats "with their tall proud masts" So many people acting tall and proud in the sea of need. Your building of the contrast of the sumptuous meal with the grey outside adds to the metaphor. A very tasteful piece.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Soren for such a thoughtful response. You are very much appreciated. Have a good Thursday.

Chris

[D. Mansfield]

A testament of these troubled times, beauty everywhere, surrounded by thugs, miscreants, and fools. Great writing, thank you

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks DM. Apologies for belated response. Trying to get my energy back after COVID. Not easy. All the best.

Chris

[NormaZ]

I can feel it, smell it, taste it! Great description, and message. There must be some answer to all this homelessness. I like that you mentioned the veterans, the government not taking care of them is beyond horrible.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Norma. Really makes me mad to see homeless veterans on the streets. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[Stuart Munro]

I really enjoyed this one , you can be there just by travelling on your words

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Stuart. Sorry for belated response. Have been recovering from COVID. Nasty it was.

Chris

[Stuart Munro]

What ! I thought it was over , Chris , I’ve had it , it’s horrible , Pleased your back , I’m on holiday in Porlock weir hotel , Somerset , the best place I’ve been , so peaceful , chilled , I’m ok healthwise , get well soon

[Chris Shaw]

First time I caught it even though others at home have had it. Three weeks!! Energy levels are still low and the cough hasn’t gone. Have a fab holiday. Pleased to hear that you are doing ok. Thanks for checking in Stuart :)

[Stuart Munro]

Home tomorrow , 2 hour drive that’s all ,
Have a great weekend

[Chris Shaw]

And you:) ….

[Stuart Munro]

I had a lovely time , Somerset is a peace haven

[Chris Shaw]

Good to hear. Yes, I like Somerset too:)

[AYVID N]

Indeed, such inequity in this world. Your choice of words to describe it is beautiful. Harsh times are befalling those who don’t deserve it and all the governments do is watch. I felt your pain and compassion here, dear Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanhs dear DIVYA. Your words are always so much appreciated. Have a glorious day.

Chris

[duff]

Your imagery is artfully done Chris. Two sides of the coin. Absolutely harsh on the veterans and so many others. Great job.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks duff. I appreciate you stopping by. Some get a real rough deal.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

Well done Chris. The juxtaposition of the beauty of the scene with the reality of life and the fact that the deserving are cast aside by the useless jackasses that run governments nowadays is well portrayed.
Shades of 1984.
I like the lay out of this poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Ted. I despair of government and what they do with the tax payers money. Plenty for weapons while the poor are on the streets. Thanjs fir stopping by.

Chris