Gary Radice Poet Rhyme

Notes About The Poem

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Originally published: 26th May 2020

Photo: Ann Radice

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

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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.

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Ultimate Spectator November 28, 2021 at 9:23 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. Gary Radice November 29, 2021 at 12:17 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

Connie Marcum Wong April 18, 2021 at 2:30 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 Gary Radice April 18, 2021 at 2:57 AM Connie, thank you so much for your lovely comments and 'faving' the poem. That means a lot to me.

David Kavanagh April 15, 2021 at 11:06 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 Gary Radice April 15, 2021 at 11:54 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

Gideon Idudje May 26, 2020 at 1:00 PM Picturesque Imagery Relishing Bravo On your win Gary Radice May 26, 2020 at 1:16 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.