One Thousand Spires

I'm gonna let you decide.........

One Thousand Spires

 

 

The city boasts at least a thousand spires or so they say

 

Each one of them fingering the sky in an innocent and unpretentious kind of way

 

Providing both a landmark and a roosting place

For flocks of pauper travellers

 

Where each might rest and take a rain-check before going on their way

 

Somewhere far below them the scent of incense and of oranges tease the senses

 

Whilst elsewhere a million camera shutters intimately click and naked shoulders are all swiftly covered up

 

As countless begging bowls each overflows to fill the lame and sick

 

Here in the shadow of at least a thousand spires or so they say

 

Behind the silks and the mangoes piled high on wooden barrows

 

Behind sun bleached curtains and in every single doorway

 

Green singing finches provide a captive audience

As somewhere else entirely

 

A foot taps against ancient cobbles to the delicious beat of Bowie

 

Before eventually stopping to mend a fellow travellers broken sandal strap

 

Now nothing more than a silhouette against some dusty backdrop somewhere

 

In the shadow of

At least a thousand spires or so they say

…

 

 

Author's Note

Kongo Zen is the path I have followed for more than half of my years......

Reviews

[Lydia Shutter]

I could picture the scene....like stepping back in time. In the midst of throng of tourists taking photos, someone stops....notices a broken sandal strap and fixes it. Such heartwarming proof that there is good in the world....there always was. Lovely. Lydi***

[Neville]

indeed there always was.. bless you my fine literary friend and true.... Neville

[andrew mitchell]

One thousand spires of space oddity that draws us all in, in awe!

[Neville]

Thank you Andrew, you are most kind.... Neville

[Chris Shaw]

An old poem which didn't get the reviews it deserved. You have really built up the atmosphere of Prague here Neville. Not that I have been but I made a point of checking some videos out. Yes, all those spires pointing to the ever after, cobbled streets difficult to walk on, east and west combined. Old and modern mixed in together with rich and poor. I love how you mentioned the music of Bowie the scents of incense and oranges. Your lines really give the ambience of the place to those who have not had the opportunity to walk those cobbled stones or see the variety and wonder on what is deemed to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Such attention to detail here. One to remember. A keeper for sure.

Chris

[Neville]

Thank you Chris, you are very kind... Neville

[Chris Shaw]

It isn 't a kindness to recognise literary talent Nevile :)

[Mrudula Rani]

Most of holy places leave an imprint with smells and sounds and the atmosphere around temples is
very distracting too.your poem takes the reader on a journey!
You are no longer practice Kongo zen?

[Neville]

Dear M, please forgive this old forgetful fool.. for some reason I have only just stumbled on the review you left me over a year ago.... I am so very sorry for such an unprecedented, or at least I hope unprecedented rudeness... and yes.. I still both study and practice Kongo zen ........ Yours a very red faced and embarrassed kenshi & friend...... Neville

[Mrudula Rani]

Dear Neville,don't let the delay in responding to review bother you. hearing from you any time is a pleasure.

[Neville]

............. :)