Beautiful enough

Beautiful enough

by R. Eric Swanepoel

(First published as "Paris" in Deliberately Thirsty, Issue 3, CAC
Publications, 19 Berryden Road, Aberdeen, Scotland)

The warm Seine breeze
Breathes the urine of the homeless
Underneath the arches on which
Lovers promenade.

Bateau-mouche beams
Glide and dart above these nether regions
And tourists, in their legions,
Gawp and thrust cameras
At the fruits of empire and pillage.

Whatever&;#8230;

It is beautiful enough
To make one forgive,

Almost.