I read this sonnet today and was impressed by how deftly the author not only evokes the feeling of the location described, but also portrays the perspective of the visiting vacationer:
"Tourist in India" by Gail White
Monkeys are urban animals in Delhi,
peacocks are city birds. And everywhere
I’m drowned in waves of men who want to sell me
overpriced souvenirs. I fight for air
and reach the marble shores of my hotel.
Thank God for Lutyens! Where would Delhi be
without the British? They used power well,
spread English, trained the boys that serve my tea.
But O seductive East! Today I found
a Hindu temple, entered and was crowned
with marigolds, made puja, walked around
a lingam thrice and sang “Jai Hanuman”
while monkeys chattered and without a sound
my Christian ghost indulgently looked on.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Neapolitan:
If a chicken was smart enough to be able to speak English and run in a geometric pattern, then I think it should be smart enough to dial 911 (999) before getting the axe, and scream to the operator, "Something must be done! Something must be done!"
|
|