London Life

Day dawns.
Dark clouds gather on the skyline
Looming over the roofs of traffic
Passing on the bridge.
Houseboats lay moored silently
On the still waters of the Thames,
Surrounded by stark buildings;
Houses once so grand,
Inhabited by the select,
Now fallen from grace.

The air is crisp and cool,
Typically October,
Everywhere touched
By the golden hand of autumn
Scattering her dress wantonly;
Leaves skip and dance
Along the pavement,
Swirl around the feet of passers-by
And scurry into the road
Playing catch-me-if-you-can
With the passing cars.

Streets bustle and teem with city folk
Going to and from their destination
Mingling among them
Visitors taking in the sights,
Every now and then stopping
To capture a moment in time....

Dusk creeps down.
The roads now packed
With the hum of angry motorists
Trying to flee from the insanity
Of noise and confusion,
Comforted only by thoughts of
Cosy warmth,
Glowing fires
And the welcoming smell of hot food.

Night falls;
With an expectant buzz,
The city preparing for revellers
Drawn to its bright lights-
Seeking desires of the flesh
(And maybe wants of the heart)
So they eat,drink and be merry,
Then stagger out 
Into the darkness
Filled with the nights memories,
Some with tinges of regret.

Eventually a hush descends,
The city sleeps
Comfortable and warm
In Its beds
Fitfully resting
In readiness for morning......
Except for those tucked away;
In some forgotten corner,
Who as winter nights draw in
Face a certainty of struggling
Against biting winds
With just the protection
Of cardboard and paper,
And only the promise of maybe
For the coming tomorrow.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Marcum Wong Avatar
September 23, 2018 at 10:53 PM
You are a master at capturing the moment vividly Sylvia. This is amazing!: )
Proxenos Avatar
September 2, 2018 at 1:32 AM
Unfortunately, the card board and paper and over flowing park benches is now seen almost all over the world - your poem captures every facet of London living. it is a very sad reality of today's life, I love your last verse, xoxo
Proxenos Avatar
September 2, 2018 at 1:24 AM
Hi Sylvia, you have described so beautifully, a 24 hour day of what people in England experience every day especially the ones commuting daily. I love the hustle and bustle of London, you don't know London unless you let yourself be part of it and immerse yourself in its lifestyle, and of course a shopping spree in London is like no other. Wonderfully described! xoxo
Coulstock Avatar
September 2, 2018 at 5:19 PM
Thank you Jennifer for your appreciation of my poem.I used to love Hyde Park,listening to the speakers and watching buskers in Leicester Square. Also visiting so many places.Ah memories. The sad aspect as you rightly said is happening everywhere and it shouldn’t be,bless you for your care.June.
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