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.

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... we must be Strong to endure the Wrong... the Peace and Calm of restful Waves and silver Stars to wish upon. It seems the World is Topsy Turvy... leaving us in deepest debt where Criminals are obtaining Rewards. We the People must turn Events to Sacred Ground. deeply, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat, you share my concern. We do live in a topsy turvy world. There should be a safety net for the most vulnerable of our own citizens. Criminals get far better treatment.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You really point out well those that can afford the niceties and thi pose that cannot, the haves and have nots…. Your message starts out very sort of upscale ,if I may, then at the end we are show those who scrounge for food, who sleep in paper tents…. A vey well done contract my friend…..warmly, B

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Betty. The homeless often have tragic stories. I believe a government should provide a safety net for the most vulnerable of its own citizens. Ours doesn’t. No one should be sleeping on the streets while illegal immigrants are housed in hotels, all expenses met.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Our country doesn’t provide much either, many still live on the streets, and they’re sending all the illegal immigrants to New York City,
Warmly, B.

[Ken e Bujold]

love the new painting Chris. vibrancy of scenic beauty set on a canvas of thought and poetic sense of judgment for the downtrodden.

ken

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Ken. I believe in a caring government who provide a safety net for the most vulnerable if its own citizens. Ours has missed the target by a mile.

Chris

[Arundass TP]

Beautiful scenes created by wonderful line's. Read with pleasure ☺️ good work 👍

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous for your kindness. You are appreciated.

Chris

[W. Barrett Munn]

Really an interesting juxtaposition in comparing wealth with less well off, abandoned by government once served.

Winston

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Winston. I believe in a caring government who protect and provide a safety net for the most vulnerable of its own citizens. They have missed the mark by far.

Chris

[Tate Morgan]

Ah the sea. is there anything more precious? My friend Fegger said it best Redacted it sounds like this.
I dipped a cup of water,
From the edge of endless sea.
Such ocean I will know as God,
While the cup resembles me.

The sand I’ll place this cup upon,
Shall be of life, surround--
Ever-changing with the wind,
Forms ripples on this ground.

One day the sands will surely shift,
And toppled I will be;
Spilling freely, I’ll reach out,
Returning to the Sea.
The question of fairness we all learn in childhood is a lie. Life is not fair nor kind.

Goodness is not what we won't do
nor a question of who we exclude
It is an unselfish act of Humanity
to see ourselves in those we include

There is goodness in this world. However it doesnt belong to the rich, the bankers, the priests, or politicians it resides in the heart of the people

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Tate for your extensive review and sharing your thoughts. There needs to be a safety net to help the most vulnerable in society. Our government has missed the target here. Sorry fir Kate thank you. I am still recovering from COVID. All the best.

Chris

[Tate Morgan]

You are most welcome. I have had six Covid shots in the last two years. I caught Covid last winter on a Friday and was clear of it by Monday with no more than a stuffy nose one of those days the MNRNA shots do work.

[Tom]

This stellar, emotive poem sure strikes a deep chord, yep, priorities, principals, are such human characteristics and morals lost on the indifference of those in the seat's of power?? Don't they even know nor give a fig to their very own whose forefathers and foresisters make this country great, democratic and fair, seems they'd rather play to the outside players for kudos rather than kepp their own backyard in order!!

Inspiring

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

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for stopping by Tom. Yes they would rather play to the outside players. Said so very well and it grieves me so that this is what they are doing.

Chris

[red93]

Marvellous Work Chris - so straightforward when you put it like this. Heartened by Prince William's recent visit to the Bournemouth Homeless Initiatives and I think if it comes from the Top, something will change hopefully. Meanwhile just glad to have a bed for the night and a roof over my head. This was Excellent ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Tony, so pleased you have a bed for the night. It really upsets me to see that there are still people on the streets in this day and age. Vast changes are needed to ensure people have homes. No houses being built and a huge increase in population. Go figure. A recipe for disaster. High rents and houses that people can’t afford. Have a good day.

Chris

[red93]

18 months ago I was the proud joint owner of a 3 bed townhouse in fashionable North Bristol. Now I am one level up from sleeping at the local Busstop. I am still the joint owner of the house, and I keep telling myself that things could always be worse ( touching wood they will not be when I say that ).

[Chris Shaw]

Change can happen so quickly as you know my friend. Let’s hope your changes will now be moving upwards

[red93]

Having said the above, there are degrees of discomfort at this level as well. I would not for instance like to be in my 'Housemate' Yusuf's shoes, earning only £250 a month from the DWP.

[Stella Armour]

I was gently humming O Sole Mio to myself and lounging about having breakfast with you when the mood changed :(
It makes me so angry that this unbelievable mis-justice has happened in our country ...
weak , spineless leaders ..how did they get voted in?
My father would have some very choice language about this were he alive today.
PERHAPS I SHOULDN'T SAY IT , BUT I WILL ... WHAT DO WE EXPECT WHEN THE PEOPLE RUNNING THIS COUNTRY ARE RICH MEN WHO HAVE NO ROOTS OR FOUNDATIONS IN OUR SOIL !
Lining their own pockets and no doubt those of their kinsmen ..

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Stella, I share your views. I hate what is happening to our country. Weak, spineless government. We need a strong leader who is prepared to put the UK first before pandering to all and sundry. My parents and grandparents would be shocked at the changes in so little time. Sorry for late response. Trying to catch up but this COVID has no intention of leaving me be yet:( Have a happy sunny weekend .

Chris

[Stella Armour]

I didn't know you had had covid Chris... i hope it goes away soon ♥

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Stella. This is Day 6 and I have only managed to get out of bed and go downstairs for a couple of hours so far. John has it too, but you wouldn’t know it. He is functioning as per normal. I am going to make my way downstairs soon and see if I can sit on the deck and have a cuppa:) Thank you my friend. ❤️🌺

[Stella Armour]

oh dear, and you must be uncomfortable too in this heat.Thank goodness one of you is feeling well enough to look after the other ♥

[Chris Shaw]

Yes I am fortunate . I also have Beth and Robbie living at home so I have plenty of support. Can’t be easy living alone when you are unwell.

[John the Baptist]

Comes across as something rather less than a ringing endorsement of the current government of the UK. Also does not lead cheers for the weather of the "English Riviera." Where exactly is that?

[Chris Shaw]

Hi John. The English Riviera is Torquay in Devon which often has very pleasant weather. As to UK government, they have not stuck to any of their manifesto pledges. They are a complete shambles and I voted for them. An out of control government working against those who voted for them. Sorry for late thank you. Got COVID at the mo.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

Take care. We are expecting a resurgence here in the fall.