Early morning London pretty, getting down all dirt and gritty
Traffic snarling, engines humming, cyclists speeding, joggers running
In the park the ducks are bathing, folk on cell phones voices scathing
Catch the buzz and feel the beat, vibrant city, happening streets
Lights turn green, the grand Prix starts, snarling mouths and angry hearts
Violent words, gesticulation, road rage grips frustrated nation
Got to get somewhere so fast this journey could just be their last
Cutting corners, taking chances, testosterone like stallions, prances
A myriad of foreign tongues, ask directions, I have none
A couple walk with map in hand, voices raised and scuppered plans
Texas drawl and pony tail, she thinks she’s found the holy grail
The flag is up, her Maj is home, as arguing together roam
The horse guards strut and stand so tall, hands on flanks, the horses cool
As coaches stop, disgorging hordes of foreign brats from far abroad
They shout and scream and act like fools, do they really learn at all?
Dropping litter on the ground, teachers angry, public frowns
The avenue of golden trees lay dead ahead to cheer and please
Flowers bursting all around through nurtured borders, grassy ground
The sights and sounds of London life, the bustling streets so vibrant, rife
The heady mix of diesel plumes, fast food take out, sweet perfumes
As boy to man I’ve loved this place, now lines upon my features grace
The memories of my long lost youth, discovery, a voyage of truth
So much of me lives on around this ever changing golden town
Iconic in so many ways, as I recall my halcyon days
Lets hail a taxi, catch a bus, purchase hot dogs, rant and cuss
Stand on soap box, diss the Queen, cross the bridges, scoff ice cream
Wear a ‘kiss me quick’ top hat, run the gauntlet, chew the fat
Paint the town red, stay out late, do the nightclubs, strut, gyrate
Cameras primed and fingers itching, angles covered, subjects twitching
Urban jungle, mono frames, we’re on the ball, ahead the game
Great to visit, good to leave, pace so fast I can’t conceive
We’re in and out before the rush, back on board the train and hush
London town she stands so proud, defiant, regal, cultured, loud
I love her so yet long to be away from her and quiet, free
A country boy at heart I am, the quiet life from child to man
Sporadic wildness, twisted truth, I smile recalling wayward youth
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Written March 30th 2011
Photograph taken at 10:46am on March 17th 2011 just past Admiralty Arch heading into St James Park in central London, England.
NIKON D700 300mm 1/25s f/6.3 iso200
Nikkor AF-S 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED IF VRII. UV filter
