Watching the Tourists

It’s fun to watch the tourists As they stroll around and gawk, Their maps clutched in their fingers For their first time in New Yawk. They navigate the streets to get To where the guide books say, Pausing just to snap their photos, Then they’re up and on their way. I don’t offer any help unless They come to me and ask, For to butt in someone’s business Shouldn’t be a native’s task. But if they require assistance To their chosen destination, I’ll do what I can to counter A New Yorker’s reputation. For at times, I am the tourist In a city I don’t know. I appreciate the locals Who direct me where to go. Since the world is full of strangers From an unfamiliar place, We can welcome their arrival With a smiling, friendly face.