those mayfair hotels heavy with servitude
exacted a heavy price
as I toiled to create a dance paradise,
youth and energy on my side
a roller coaster ride.
Where their rubbish piled up
the alleys were too dark
to give away secrets,
so I fled the confessional through
the church doors of the salty night,
followed the thames for home
galleon black reflecting london.
Battersea looked back askance
still with its leathery heart
a mere bystander to my homeward route.
Hi Ray,
So you are a reincarnated Baudelaire, or perhaps Baudelaire in a time machine..No matter, it will be WoL's secret..Spleen and Ideal in London.
Ah, traversing the Goods Lift. Funnily enough I mentioned the Goods Lift in a previous poem.The shuttle for shift-workers and entertainers (of all kinds); spies, patsy's, chefs, security, and the mysterious others who keep the arteries of buildings flowing: its kidneys, heart, soul and liver..A parallel cityscape. A noir within a noir.
I'll shut up now..
Oh, great poem too!!
THanks Ryn. To let you know the story, I used to play in a band in London and travel to each gig !
David, yes, the time for dreams -mine was always to be in a band. As a muso, I often used goods lifts gaining access through kitchens - often regarded as a nuisance of course. I call alleys the small intestines of commerce. The Thames was the first route of commerce of course - love the river at night. Interestingly, talking of trade, there were many whorehouses on the river banks for sailors to visit.
Hi Cynthia, I really am rather flattered. You've surpassed my own self estimation, thanks so much. I'll keep drinking the tea.
Thanks for liking this Col and Kevin.
Ray x
Jeez, Ray, what are you gentlemen taking in your tea!
I think this is just fabulous, full of energy and superb imagery. The opening line screams originality, and yanks the reader in, full throttle. And then you never let go.
Ryn
Fri 13th Oct 2017 00:20
i'm not sure i completely understand it but it's good nonetheless.
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raypool
Sun 15th Oct 2017 19:29
Welcome Suki. It is nice to think I inspired your response - yes the king of goods lifts was that of the London Hilton which plummeted from top to bottom in about 30 seconds. I was always fascinated by the inner and outer lives of hotels and how like a digestive system any building must be - pretty revolting stuff but that's life. The other thing is that there is a rudimentary understanding between all who serve. I'm not familiar with Baudelaire's works, but apparently he was eccentric , so that's all good then!!
Nice to see back on form. Ray