Old Delhi

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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)

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

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.

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

Connie Marcum Wong

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

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.

David Kavanagh

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

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

Gideon Idudje

Date: 5/26/2020 1:00:00 PM

Picturesque Imagery Relishing Bravo On your win

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.