For Paul Brookes’ poetry challenge, a poem inspired by paintings by Anjum Wasim Dar

and Gaynor Kane. Visit Paul’s blog to read the rest of the responses.

The ballad of the curious tourist

I thought I saw a city, shining in the plain,
I thought I saw a desert, waiting for the rain,
I thought I found a paradise, but all I found was pain.

I saw a destination in a glossy magazine,
I saw exotic places where my friends have never been,
I looked behind the décor, saw what wasn’t to be seen.

Among neon lights and laughter hung a warning in the air,
Don’t stray. Beyond the glitter there is danger, so take care—
your happiness providers, in their misery laid bare.