Almost Sad In Geneva

Lake Léman must float
the weight of the city –
Its grey stolid affluence
needs hydraulic help.
Our paddle steamer chuffs
beyond the tall fountain.
For a while, grand houses
bob beside us.
In Geneva the poor must fit between
the opulence.
Up ahead, Mont Blanc,
and other Wagnerian massifs,
begin to shrink us into fisheyes.
Then sunlight spills its sky
into the deep waters.
Suddenly we are afloat on mountaintops!
I could be almost happy here
if we were not just renting this moment.
When we return to the city
the sky will be gray once more,
the poor will still be poor.
Outside the stylish patisseries,
sparrows will still fight for crumbs.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

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Ashford Avatar
August 12, 2019 at 9:52 AM
LOL, a brief visit to Geneva. Its a wonderful place, and the proximity of that Mata Horn and Mont Blanc bring much splendor to this wealthy but dour city. Calvinism and finance dominate the municipality. There is not much room for poor folks! Thanks Richard.
Lamoureux Avatar
August 12, 2019 at 9:44 AM
Excellent social commentary. I hope your rent is paid up. We can all use those mountain top moments.
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