A glimpse of life in the fast-lane

An urban shopping-complex where
the shops along the road and square
have grown and multiplied, and there
I wander in the crowds to stare
– an opportunity quite rare
for one emerged from rural lair.

What rows and rows of glamorous clothes,
– are these things really wearable?
wield price-tags quite unbearable!
and everywhere a busy bustle,
with sweaty throngs and heaving muscle,
and cheerful bargain-finders spend
so often more than they intend
(don’t yet on frugalness depend),
and bankers tempt and love to lend.

Close by – the river, welcome space,
where swans glide by, and rowers race,
and restaurants’ seating overflows.
As lunchers gaze, the river goes
pressing on its steady way,
while strollers from the jungle stray.

I walk the tow-path, drifting on
to find the place where I belong.