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.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Horsman Avatar
September 13, 2012 at 2:52 PM
what a lovely positive poem, hope when i visit i meet someone like you ilene, and that rhyming sequence in your first stanza is a classic, gawk and yawk just love this............
Dietrich Avatar
September 12, 2012 at 9:13 PM
this one is sweet!! So you are a New Yorker?
Pettit Avatar
September 12, 2012 at 7:40 PM
The Ad Council ran commercials years ago encouraging Americans to welcome overseas visitors. They said "The most unforgettable experience of a foreigner's visit may easily be you.". Good write Ilene.
Merryman Avatar
September 12, 2012 at 6:25 PM
Ilene, I enjoyed reading your poem. Great flow and rhyme. Love, Kim
O'Leary Avatar
September 12, 2012 at 3:10 PM
A seemingly 'simple' poem end with a powerful message! Nice rhyming (especially in the first stanza... ;-)) Terry (& thanks for your kind comments)
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