PICTURE POSTCARD

Venecia

The old buildings gaze impervious to the photo-frantic hordes,

They scarcely blink to the light of the camera flash.,

These pastel coloured walls

Have seen the crowds come and go,

Have wined and dined the European elite of old,

And now become a notice board

For the vulgar tourist horde.

The ancient Queen Venecia decked in her faded robes,

Siren of the watewways, luring the jaded traveller

Who, despite all the stench of the canals

Is drawn to this courtesans perfumed charm.

Gerard O'Shea