Gershon Wolf Poet Rhyme

Notes About The Poem

The image of "The Ugly American" abroad has been accepted as universal truth, or something akin thereto, in the consciousness of much of what is supposed to be the civilized world.  I thought that I'd reframe the narrative from a Yankee's perspective for a change.  It may be a bit unsettling, but there really are two sides to every story, aren't there?

He's Traveled the World

Spain, France, Turkey or Athens, Greece
Where can he travel where they will not fleece
A Yankee who knows not one single tongue
  Save the English they defile, as they serve him filet of dung

Libya, Jordan, Egypt or Baghdad, Iraq
Is there a country in that region that'll cut him some slack
A place where he can be himself, just "be who I am" 
  Where vendors won't endlessly hound him with petty scams  

Poland, Moldava, Belarus or Odessa, Ukraine
Does anyone there think he has half a brain 
In his head to differentiate right from wrong 
  The capacity to resist a painted strumpet's siren song

He's traveled the world from Pole to Pole, from East to West,
  A Yank seeking a country, besides his, that with decency is blessed.

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Andrea Dietrich August 13, 2018 at 3:33 PM That is indeed quite a different take on the subject!! I think decency abides in every country alongside the vile stuff that is often right out in the open. I enjoyed this one, Gershon. i know firsthand of that conception of Americans by having been abroad in my youth. Gershon Wolf August 13, 2018 at 3:54 PM Thank you for sharing your insights and experience, Andrea. I agree with you that there IS decency in every country. Unfortunately, as you yourself saw when you were youngER, there is a real bias against American tourists, and that stereotype of the Ugly American wormed its way into world consciousness. … At any rate, thank you again so much! ~ gw

Tom Cunningham August 13, 2018 at 2:56 PM Interesting Gershon, have never heard the term 'ugly American abroad ' but there's good and bad in every country and culture. What I've found when I travel is birds of a feather stick together. Tom Gershon Wolf August 13, 2018 at 3:57 PM I think that you are right about the birds of a feather sticking together … As for the Ugly American, it was a book, and a movie too, I believe, around 1957 which really highlighted the worst behavior of arrogant executives and rich men abroad. Oh, well... Thanks for the comment!! ~ gw

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart August 13, 2018 at 2:19 PM Well written, well received. As for the two sides thing, I believe there's at least three ;) tit, tat, and the rarely seen truth. xomo <3 Gershon Wolf August 13, 2018 at 3:59 PM You have nailed it again, my friend! … that rarely seen truth … In Chicago some white folks say Dis and Dat, and nobody can deal with the Druth at all. LOL. Thanks, Maureen! Best wishes, Gershon