Postcard From Amsterdam

 

Postcard from Amsterdam

Red Light district

Mental jailbreak from the puritanic laws made by the bourgeoisie

Unending hordes of back-packed youth

Throng happily along the tree lined sun-warmed summer's

Narrow streets along a maze of glittering canals

Reflecting dappled ripples

A Seurat of colors

Leaf green, sky blue, golden sun

Parade of small boats . . . endless promenade.

Sidewalks bestrewn with necklaces of bars, youth hostels

Small two star hotels

Live costumed manikins rap store-front windows

Call to passers by

"Hey baby... let me show you something you have never seen before."

Live sex shows glitter noonday neon above touts

Who beckon while awaiting guided tour groups

Sure to come along this evening

Giddy with excitement.

Coffee shops abound for every taste and nationality

Dispense bouquets of marijuana and hashish from within

Where cigarettes are not allowed.

Small groups are gathered joyfully at tables

Rolling joints . . . discussing favorite blends

Hushed conversations

Music

Smoothies

Fresh fruit blended by tattooed baristas

Dutch Big-Easy.

Early Morning streets near vacant

Lingering smell of beer

Street cleaners wuzzing slowly by

An early morning prostitute

Stands in her doorway
Savoring the cool post-dawn.

What cause to leave this place

Save winter's bleak and cold respite from joy

And jobs that we cannot escape.