Saturday 12 July 2003

WALKABOUTSVERSE 38 OF 230

Poem 38 of 230:  THE TOURNAMENT OF ROSES

Having, mostly, enjoyed my visit:
    Walking and busing along the coast,
A Hollywood film in Hollywood,
    And plenty of friendliness with it...

During my last morning in L.A.,
    I watched, on a hotel-room T.V.,
Live from the town of Pasadena,
    The Tournament of Roses display.

Perfectionism was on the go,
    And it seemed little expense was spared,
As floats covered in flowers went by -
    Giving a neat but fleeting show.

Yet, catching the bus to the airport,
    I saw the homeless dragging their sacks,
Or begging for cash on street corners,
    And thought:  “Housing could have been bought.”

(C) David Franks 2003