There is no Shangri-la

 

The grass is greener on the other side or so they say

I climbed the stile to see for myself

All I found was more of the same

hardly any difference at all in colour or shade

 

I travelled afar to a tropical paradise

an island drenched in sunshine, palm trees and full of colour

A balmy climate, golden sands and blue skies

but it offered nothing other than beauty and climate

 

I moved to a foreign city rich in culture

with magnificent architecture and steeped in history

Concert Halls and Art Galleries abounded

but I felt a sense of alienation, alone and quite lost

 

I climbed mountains through pine forests

almost reaching the heavens in pristine beauty

Views to behold which were breath taking

yet I was bitterly cold and knew that I could not live there

 

I returned home somewhat exhausted and forlorn

nothing had changed, it was as before I left

The sky was laden with cloud and drizzle

but I knew where I was and what to expect