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.

[Lorry]

Well firstly, well done for not calling it the cornetto song. 😊
It really is an inside out and upside down world, as you do eloquently capture, when we can leave people to live in gutters while the true criminals lap up their undeserved luxury. It's enough to curdle your brie, so it is!
I feel like that every time I see people mumble their apologies to beggars, while brushing past them to go get their five quid moccalattehipster in a cup!
The world has gone mad, hasn't it.
Next you'll be telling me that Trump the trumpet is running for re-election!!! I'd put a smiley face after that if it weren't true, plus emoji's don't seem to have an orange faced, candy gloss haired oompa loompa emoji yet! 😊

[Chris Shaw]

The world has gone mad Lorry. You are quite right. I find it hard to believe the rapid change over a short period of time. Sorry about the lateness of this response. Trying to catch up while COVID is still lurking. Have yerself a good weekend.

Chris

[Lorry]

No worries. Just you get yourself betterer. 😊

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lorry 🙂

[Neville]

Bravo Chris .. some things are simply crying out to be writ .. indeed, they seem to last longer that way and the impact when needed, like now, is far greater .. I guess it must be the poetry in us that allows us to write loudly.

Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Neville, sorry about the lateness of this response, trying to catch up. Sometimes you need more than a whisper of words. Nothing changes with complacency. Have yourself a glorious Saturday.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I really like this one and the turn it takes...we get breathtaking scenery and serenity and then
the homelessness, the crime, the disownment of the veterans...
the government's sad neglect.
Only one part I would change....I will have some juice, please, No coffee!
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello dear J. Pleased you enjoyed this read and the turn. Our own homeless on the streets, destitute while those entering the country by illegal methods, chucking their passports away in the English channel, are checked in to four star hotels all expenses paid. Go figure. The lighthouse had juice should you wish to join us next visit :))

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

i think when governing bodies choose to fail it's citizens without trying .. is core rotten .. those that fail but are trying embrace some representative governments .. those that succeed .. i don't see any .. i think most are a combination of trying and corruption .. hard to weed the chaff from the wheat ... drug kingpins exercising their hidden powers always greedy for more ... large corporations especially Pharma always greedy for more exercise a more visible power .. they do leave the less abundant without a glance .. i guess it's up to those who are able to do something about that. ... small chips whittled from that block of poverty and want ... on the bright side, for me, are the many charitable Churches and organizations that work fastidiously to help ... fresh water ... sanitation .. food and shelter reach many .. those that fall through the cracks as the Bible teaches me " “The poor you will always have with you” (Mk 14:7)" the opportunity for all to exercise charity/love ... peace love and flowers Chris .. i enjoyed the scene setting and the touching of my senses with bacon, coffee and rain and sea salt ... also the imaging .. i was there with your protagonist .. the turn surprised me .. not romantic, nostalgic but strong social commentary .. well done says i!
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Mr E, thank you for such a thoughtful and comprehensive review on my piece of social commentary. I can’t tell you how disappointed I am in the politicians that I voted in to govern this country. They are a complete and utter shambles. Tied up by so much law they are totally ineffective. Charities do marvelous work but we should have a safety net in place and we don’t for many who fall through the gaps. Hoping you are well and happy.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

blessings on you too dear friend!