They return, year on year –
sit round the pool, top up
their tans; have a beer or maybe
Pina Coladas; one or two
‘long, slow screws against the wall’.
She’s bored though, she says.
Why don’t they venture outside?
“Rather quaint; like going back
in time,” she observes,
as she tosses a boy a coin
for a necklace made from shells.
Small price to pay to be shot of him;
hot on their heels round every corner.
They dine on langoustine –
say how good it’s been
to mingle with the natives.
Mention how friendly they seem.
Shame about the kid... except
his handiwork was a smashing gift
for a sister with a taste in crap,
so this would suffice, admirably.
“Of course, one takes it
with a pinch of salt –
the boy’s T-shirt, ‘HIV
positive’, it said.
Not a clue what it meant –
naturally. How could he?
Didn’t speak one word
of English. Hope tomorrow’s nice –
with flying home and all.
Good drop of plonk,
this pseudo Chardonnay.”
Outside, he sits alone;
his home a meagre tent
made from a scrap
of tarpaulin, nicked from yet
another building site.
Wets his lips at the well
almost run dry.
With a bellyful of rice –
it’s amazing how very bright
the stars shine tonight,
and he wishes on one
that tomorrow will come
for his brother and all.
Threads another shell...
Comments
MistakenMagic | October 28, 2009 - 12:44
What a heart-wrenching story, Tina. You captured the collision of two completely different worlds superbly. Really enjoyed this one ;)
Magic xxx
Silver Spun Sand | October 28, 2009 - 12:49
Ta, muchly, dear Magic;-)
'When two worlds collide'. A brilliant way of putting it. I think there was a song called that, but I may be dreaming.
Have a good day, and I really appreciate your reading this one.
Tina xxx
Cavalcaderl | October 29, 2009 - 21:17
New Silver-spun-sand
this is so true to life
isn't it. well expressed love
way you have done it all.Just got up
computer had virus, no trueful so have we ugh.and Modem konked out etc; I got email RobertGardner lovely
wants comments on his "The Beach" from all. ABCtales New.His work got cherry already great.
just Ray has done copy of Mag;16 great. WHY ? aren't you in it yet or did you have to volunteer. Very good
covers great cherries on roads and border line be good for wallpaper ceilimng edge as Iv'e just put on MistakenMagics comment. Can you if poss PLEASE give me feed back on "Emil'y 9th B/DAY done, so hard true they just there took courage with all bears as I ate.Didn't know children or Adult's the Mum just scribbled it down bits.names and dress costumes bears,cat,huskies under-dog-pup.does it make sense.
julie
Silver Spun Sand | October 29, 2009 - 21:58
Julie, thank you so very much for reading and for your usual, more than animated comments, which are always a joy to read;-)
Yes - isn't issue 16 of the Mag great. I guess it's hard to pick whose work is included and whose isn't and with a writing site as large as ABC, it is nice that everyone has a chance to have their work showcased.
The party for Emily's ninth birthday sounded absolutely wonderful, as I have just commented in your lively poem about it.
Hope your computer is feeling well now;-) I missed you;-) Viruses seem to be the scurge of the twenty-first century, don't they?
Have a peaceful evening, Julie and once again, thank you.
Tina x
sarah wilson | October 30, 2009 - 08:23
Fantastic piece Tina, a 'bipolar world'!! xx
Silver Spun Sand | October 30, 2009 - 09:01
Yes indeed, dear Sarah. Isn't it just;-)
Hope you're OK and thanks so much for reading.
Tina x
Cavalcaderl | November 4, 2009 - 15:31
New Silver-spun-sand
Thankyou so much for your wonderful help
always, but I can't always say what I mean.I didn't
want it to look daft just hope those on Birthday's just out the blue?saw.
did see read them.what a moo! I just say ABCtales I try do.give bit paper surprised so ,much and names down, party was after.Look happened -"Hello Kitty and who me sitting in bed tea fell asleep reading "David Cameron's Book.whoops all over me. bit hot?tea.
well done brilliant story and cherry.
missed you not gone yet they only give antibiotics
for infection seems daft, think easing a bit both
of us 1st one the other awake 3.a.m.I'd actually done good spring clean door cob-webs before this germ.No full peaceful nights yet Ray and I.He had cough mixture dr. know good much honey lemon paracetamol.
thankyou your care. I don't think hot restaurant 2 floors up in mall other shops some short sleeves hot
helped no air in packed out.over busy half term found out. all children people came from.
love julie xx cavalcader (:-
Silver Spun Sand | November 4, 2009 - 17:15
Julie - no need to say thank you. I enjoy watching you improve and your enthusiasm for writing I find very inspiring.
Tina ;-)x
Nathan Bednarek | November 8, 2009 - 23:59
'Shame about the kid... except
his handiwork was a smashing gift
for a sister with a taste in crap,
so this would suffice, admirably.'
I love the cynicism here and the whole piece is bursting with emotion. A very good read and a well deserved cherry!
Nathan x
Silver Spun Sand | November 9, 2009 - 08:24
Thank you so much, Nathan. Good to hear from you again.
Best of luck with all your ventures and thanks for taking time out for a little 'light reading'.
Tina xox