Tourist

 'Twas in a village in Lorraine
 Whose name I quite forget,
I found I needfully was fain
 To buy a serviette.
I sought a shop wherein they sell
 Such articles as these,
And told a smiling mademoiselle;
 'I want a towel, please.'

'Of kinds,' said she, 'I've only two,'
 And took the bundles down;
And one was coloured azure blue,
 And one was khaki brown.
With doubt I scratched my hoary head;
 The quality was right;
The size too, yet I gravely said:
 'Too bad you haven't white.'

That pretty maid had sunny hair,
 Her gaze was free from guile,
And while I hesitated there
 She watched me with a smile.
Then as I went to take the blue
 She said 'Non' meaning no.
'Ze khaki ones are best, M'sieu:
 Ze dirts zey do not show.'

Form: Ballad Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace