Eileen Manassian Poet I do not know?

London Lament

I had to sit through it all
the conversation that was inevitable
What they did
Where they went
What they saw...
My brother and his wife
On the their expensive trip to see Roger Federer in the flesh
My husband and daughter 
On a trip joining work with sightseeing
And then there was me....
I listened...

Big Ben and its imposing height
Parliament's alluring might
Pics there at Downing street
Fish and chips, a tasty treat
Outside Westminster Abbey
The Thames in its flowing glory
London Bridge, Trafalgar square 
Harrods and all the goodies there
The Shard and the tennis match
Souvenirs that were a catch
Brollies forgotten here and there
Poppies bobbing everywhere
The Palace and the Rosetta stone
Red booths housing telephones
Tussaud's latest entries
Baker Street and revelries
All this, and so much more
Stories of the trip...galore


I sat and listened to it all
Saw even more pics 
In my heart a twisted ache
My teaching schedule and other things
Made me stay back home
It didn't make this night easier
I thought of all I'd missed
Sure, I'd been to London years ago
But somehow...this still hurt
I'd been left behind

The night blissfully came to an end
And here am I...writing this
with London in my mind
"London, BABY!"

Not for me...


Eileen Manassian

Yup....I'm having a pity party. Didn't go to London with the fam. I was all by my lonesome! I'm happy my daughter and husband got to see the sights. We'd been there when Shereen was six or seven, but now at twenty, she could appreciate it all more. It still hurts a little that I couldn't go along. Now all the talk is done...and I can put it behind me, till the day I go to London and experience it on my OWN! ;)

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Liam Mcdaid November 26, 2014 at 9:42 AM eileen lived in london many moons back really a city to experience very beautifully painted piece dear friend bless you Eileen Manassian November 26, 2014 at 10:14 AM LIAM...Hello, dear friend. You live in IRELAND. THAT is a gem....a mystical magical musical place. I'd love to visit sometimes. :) Thanks for the visit. Hugs

Timothy Hicks November 25, 2014 at 10:05 PM When on my trip to Wales, my uncle, aunt, cousin, and I all went for a day trip to London. It was an indescribable experience - and though very exciting seeing all the famous monuments, it definitely wears you out at the end of the day! Perhaps next time you can visit - it's definitely worthwhile! Being a Sherlock fan, I wish I would have seen Baker Street - oh well. Sorry you had to endure the conversation... at least you got some good writing out of it! Eileen Manassian November 26, 2014 at 3:44 AM :) Hi, Timothy...I endured it, but it was hard. If I hadn't been there before...it would have been even harder. My husband travels often...and often I get left behind due to my teaching schedule and other factors. Sometimes I rattle about in an empty house and feel sorry for myself. When my daughter is around, it makes it easier. He's going to Egypt again this week... :( She's staying..so I have some comfort in that. Thanks for the visit...I've missed you.

Justin Bordner November 23, 2014 at 8:54 PM It would be nice to visit the London Museums...glad you mentioned the Rosetta Stone...its important to remember that one needn't go far to find themselves, or felicity in their lives. My life is my adventure. Xool write with humor Eileen...J.A.B. Eileen Manassian November 24, 2014 at 6:32 AM Thank you for your visit, Justin. I'm glad you liked this piece. I saw the Rosetta Stone years ago when I went to the London Museum. They have a great deal of artifacts from Egypt. Some pieces are not found in the museum in Egypt. It is sad, in a way. My husband is Egyptian and he and my daughter enjoyed seeing the beautiful sarcophagi that were on display. Thank you for the visit...

Nette Onclaud November 23, 2014 at 11:57 AM ohhh, that sucks, Eileen.. i love to travel and yes, London has its own old charm... your interesting, scenic work makes up for the postponement of the trip.. lovely!.. huggs Eileen Manassian November 23, 2014 at 1:46 PM Thanks, my dear Nette. I have a feeling I will be back to London sometime in the near future. That place holds so much charm.... :) My students love it when I use an English accent to teach class. So....posh! ;) Hugs

Andrea Dietrich November 23, 2014 at 11:51 AM yeah, I know the feeling, sweetie. when I was with my small group for study abroad, I was the one with little money. they took two trips from madrid, one to germany and one up to barcelona, and I had to stay back and not go with the majority of the group. anyway, I got to see London in '74. I bet it has really changed. Loved seeing the familiar sites through your poem. Eileen Manassian November 23, 2014 at 1:47 PM Oh....sorry you missed Barcelona. I haven't been there either. :( Yes, it is horrible to get left behind...and then to have to listen to all the interesting stories. I was a tough night for me, but....I'm glad they got to go. The Tube drives me crazy, though. That I don't miss.

Richard Lamoureux November 23, 2014 at 11:25 AM You painted the picture so well I would have believed you had traveled along with them. Eileen Manassian November 23, 2014 at 1:48 PM I got lost of details and pics to bring it all home to me. :) I also got yummy English treats. I shouldn't complain.

Kayod5 Kayode November 23, 2014 at 5:21 AM The flow in the second stanza calls for next reading,this is just taking one to the streets in London; a wonderful work Eileen,great..huggs Eileen Manassian November 23, 2014 at 1:55 PM Thank you so much for your lovely post on my London poem. I got it out of my system with this write, and that helped. :)

Dr. Upma A. Sharma November 23, 2014 at 3:40 AM Fantastic write Eileen! I haven't been there ever but wud love to after reading ur wonderful imagery here my dear!

Ken Carroll November 22, 2014 at 11:47 PM Nice reflections Eileen.. Eileen Manassian November 23, 2014 at 12:16 AM Ken, thanks, my dear. I read your gloom poem. So sad....I'll be there to comment. Sometimes I read and am unable to comment...perhaps I'm sad, or on my phone.....You know I enjoy your work. Thanks for the visit.

Tim Smith November 22, 2014 at 7:06 PM For not being there you painted a fabulous picture...hope you get to go next time...hugs Tim Eileen Manassian November 23, 2014 at 12:17 AM Thanks, Tim. I do too! :)

David Meade November 22, 2014 at 5:53 PM I love a pity party!! I was left home this summer when my wife and two of my daughters did Europe and my other daughter was in Scotland for a study aboard. I was home paying bills!! Love your writing. Eileen Manassian November 23, 2014 at 12:18 AM David...I'm so glad you visited me. I was planning to visit you. I often get home alone. My husband's work is of a nature that he often travels. When my daughter was younger, it was easier on me...I had her for company. Now he takes her with him, and I rattle around in this big house alone. Yes, I do feel sorry for myself....but there isn't much I can do about it and I certainly don't want to be a wet blanket. Sorry you had to stay home, but bless you for paying the bills. I'm sure they love you for it. :)

Terrell Martin November 22, 2014 at 5:16 PM Eileen, Thanks ever so much for reading & commenting on my poem, "Eileen." I was amazed at quickly you found it and posted because I only posted it minutes ago...you're GOOOD:) Also, I love this little pity-poem about London. Never been there myself - lots of other world travels but missed that party also. No worries - there are reasons for everything as life is indeed a mystery with many wondrous surprises. Your time will come. Smile, be patient & stay happy. Terry:) Eileen Manassian November 22, 2014 at 5:21 PM I always check the new poems listings....I love poetry and my favorite pastime is delving into this world. This is the first of your poems that I read, and obviously as I was checking the list, the title caught my eye. She must be someone special to produce that write from you. I will patiently bide my time to visit London again. I've been enchanted with English literature and London is such a testament to that. Charles Dickens....Shakespeare...Donne... :) Some of my favorite authors. Thanks for the kind comment.

Paul Callus November 22, 2014 at 5:15 PM I can relate to what you wrote, Eileen! When family go and you have to stay behind it's kind of cruel:) London is beautiful and though I've been there lots of times I always find something new to see. [unlike Charm I do not go shopping:) but I wear my shoes out just the same!] Tussaud's has changed a lot, and a 3 hr wait to get in is worth it! hugs // paul Eileen Manassian November 22, 2014 at 5:24 PM Paul...it seems I always get left behind. My teaching schedule makes it hard, but there are other reasons I stay behind as well...some of my own choosing. I can't blame anyone, but I don't relish traveling alone, and having to make the trip either there or back is emotionally draining for me. I know...I'm silly. Years ago I traveled to the States and back on my own...but that was some time ago, and I've changed. Oh well...maybe next time. Thanks for the lovely visit. Yes, they loved going to Tussaud's again. She got to take pics next to Cumberbatch! ;)

Jan Allison November 22, 2014 at 5:09 PM I can understand your disappointment but you portrayed wonderful imagery of London like you really were there - one day you will return to see it all for real:-) Hugs Jan xx Eileen Manassian November 22, 2014 at 5:26 PM Thanks, hon. I love all things English. I have relatives living in Crawley and up in Preston. I've been to see them, and more recently on a business trip involving my work. England has always fascinated me. When I was younger, I was sure I'd marry an Englishman. I was planning to study at Newbold college in Bracknell. It didn't work out...but England is always dear to my heart. Hugs

Charmaine Chircop November 22, 2014 at 4:49 PM Eileen..We should go to London on a shopping spree : ). I love London too and am rekindling both flame and memory of my visits there. Thanks for the journey lady. Eileen Manassian November 22, 2014 at 5:29 PM OH! My students LOVE it when I do the British accent while teaching then grammar. ;) Keeps their attention. Then again...I slip into the Russian, French, Indian accent as well. Anything to bring some fun into the learning experience. They love it! Eileen Manassian November 22, 2014 at 5:28 PM Oh sweetie...It IS pricey! Can we window shop? ;) Yes, we should go. To be steeped in history would be amazing. I recently watched the Tudors. WOW! That was interesting. Steamy...but an interesting peek into the life of Henry the VIII. Hugs to you, dear.

Anne-Lise Andresen November 22, 2014 at 4:24 PM - Bring your best friend to see LONDON ..... a girl's trip !!!! - London is waiting for you !!! - Well done and a little sad - Beautiful weekend to you my friend :) - oxox // Anne-Lise :) Eileen Manassian November 22, 2014 at 5:30 PM :) Hello, Sunshine. I'd love to! Maybe on my next trip to visit my cousin in Germany, I can swing by England. Thanks for the lovely visit. Hugs

Gary Bateman November 22, 2014 at 3:41 PM Hello Eileen!! It is really great to have you back sharing your wonderful poetry with us!! From your write here, sounds like you got overwhelmed with all of the discourse about London. Me too!! I lived in a number of big cities and traveled quite a bit in my former career(s) and now I like that things have slowed down and I can reflect more on life and work on my poetry. London Lament indeed, right?? Best Wishes Always, Gary Eileen Manassian November 22, 2014 at 3:51 PM Hi, Gary...I just finished editing it a bit. Perhaps give it a second read? I added a footnote. Thanks for your visit. I'm doing a bit better and can write again. It's such a relief. Not to write is like not breathing. Thanks for your kind words. I've traveled around quite a bit as well. I've been to Germany...many times. I have family living in Frankfurt. I know you speak German. I was there this last May for my birthday. Went for a boat ride on the Rhine. :) Lovely memories. Thanks for the visit. Will be by to visit you soon. :)