Two Worlds
 A wedding party full of fashion and flair
Awaits bride and groom in the old Spanish square.
Through church-doors you see them parade down the aisle
And then exit to this throng of sartorial style.
Men with sharp suits and polished shoes,
Women coordinated in countless hues.
Everyone refined, like elegant movie-stars
And hotel receptions with classical guitars.
Looking out over ocean and mountain scenes
And rows of opulent white limousines.
Outside on the terrace a man in tuxedo
Tickles the ivories on a grand piano.
But time hasn’t changed much in some old places,
Except for the wrinkles upon people’s faces.
Tourists don’t travel to these places much
And bring along their cosmopolitan touch.
It’s Sunday and the church with the village clocks
Chimes away its bells like a musical box.
You’ll see a woman in black with her only goat
In the street of this mountain retreat so remote.
You may see an old man with his weary mule,
With bundles of olive wood to use as fuel.
Not much here in the way of wealth or style
 But greetings are returned with a gentle smile.
Two worlds apart, one present, one past,
Reflecting both urban and rural contrast.
One looking to the future with modern ways,
The other resting peacefully in bygone days.
Two worlds co-exist, the rich one and the poor -
But I wonder which of the two really has the more?
Copyright © David Upton 2009 |
