Tokyo, a poem?

A tired sombre suited man

Uses an embroidered pink lacy fan

Girls in traditional Kimono dress

Teeter precariously on a wooden wedge

Shinto shrines here there and yonder

Pilgrims ask for blessings, filled with wonder

Incense burning fills the senses

Children so respectful, they seem so selfless

Eateries clamour to grab your attention

Japanese sushi is worth a mention

Rush hour scurries with people in suits

Go in to a bar, please take off your shoes

Cyclists fly past with a Ding of their bell

Too close to call, they know all too well

Breakfast of noodles, miso soup or rice

Crazy people, I think toast would be nice!

Market stall vendors tempt with their wares

We can't communicate well, they don't seem to care

Bright lights of Shibuya, neon signs are so modern

We stayed in Asakusa, more traditional we learn

So Tokyo is filled with contradictory aspects

We look forward to seeing Japan's other landscapes

Full stop

F Castellani