Notes About The Poem

Originally published: 26th May 2020

Photo by Patricia Ann Radice

This Poem was placed 1st in the "ALL YOURS (April 15)"  Poetry Contest sponsored by Brian Strand (Judged 13th May 2021)


Old Delhi

a mass of wires criss-crossed the sky
and hung across the road
as car horns - stuck on 'play repeat'
blared out where tourists strode.

there were happy, smiling faces
advertising private care
but beneath those giant hoardings
lay indigence everywhere.

we were watching 'non-stop TV'
through the window of our bus
but we couldn't change the channel
as Old Delhi streamed past us.

then our tour guide switched the picture
to a world of corporate smiles
and our hotel was all marble
and the lobby stretched for miles.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020


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Date: 11/28/2021 9:23:00 PM
Yup Gary, I must say a Brit knows better about this beautiful juxtaposition in India, it must be coming with a twinge of guilt I believe. Loved the picture you painted, but this indegence speaks volumes about colonialism.
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Gary Radice
Date: 11/29/2021 12:17:00 AM
Thanks for your visit Ultimate S and for your comments. A real sense of guilt punctuated our holiday in between the beautiful tourist snapshots. India played with our brains. Cheers - Gary
Date: 4/18/2021 2:30:00 AM
Wow Gary! You have certainly captured the contrast of this city with a vivid view of how it really is with sadness and joy intertwined with the toil and opulence of every day life. Your poem is so impressive I am saving it to my faves! I love it! Congratulations on your deserving first place win! Blessings xxoo
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Gary Radice
Date: 4/18/2021 2:57:00 AM
Connie, thank you so much for your lovely comments and 'faving' the poem. That means a lot to me.
Date: 4/15/2021 11:06:00 AM
Very stark contrasting imagery Gary, almost a surreal picture, no middle ground, your poem depicts how good we have it, congratulations on your win, cheers David
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Gary Radice
Date: 4/15/2021 11:54:00 AM
David, Hi! Thank you. Your words sum up what Ann and I saw in India in 2019. Such destitution next to such opulance. We loved India but we felt very uncomfortable at times too. Cheers - Gary
Date: 5/26/2020 1:00:00 PM
Picturesque Imagery Relishing Bravo On your win
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Gary Radice
Date: 5/26/2020 1:16:00 PM
Thank you Gideon for your lovely comments. We spent 2 weeks in India last year and loved the people and its vibrancy. The gap between the rich and poor often upset us though.
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