Hidden behind <br />Dark glasses <br />And a plastic smile <br />I watch the world <br />Go by. <br /> <br />Ladies strolling, <br />Weighing up <br />The summer fashion <br />In Max Mara’s <br />Window. <br /> <br />A couple in their thirties, <br />One laughing and joking <br />On the mobile <br />The other looking around <br />Bored. <br /> <br />Old lady <br />In a large black hat. <br />Must be a tourist. <br />Yes, there’s the essential guide <br />Tucked under her arm. <br /> <br />Five men <br />Emptying a truck <br />Stop to holler <br />At the scantily clad girls <br />Sauntering by. <br /> <br />Someone is watching me. <br />I feel it. <br />Two beady amber eyes <br />Peering straight at me <br />From the chair opposite. <br /> <br />What do you see Mr. Pigeon? <br />A fat old woman <br />With broken dreams? <br />Or the spirited young girl <br />Who still lives within? <br /> <br />In answer <br />He jumps <br />To the next table <br />And pecks <br />At more exciting crumbs. <br /> <br />And I am <br />Invisible again <br />Watching <br />The world <br />Go by.<br /><br />Sallie Howson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/watching-the-world/
