My sweet wife nudged me
After all these years
The city called
No, ordered I move
To the office in town
We had to shift
Or lose my job
Sweet wife had visions
Apartment with views
Balcony for tea
And all shining new
Our new luxury pad
Singing praises
Her poem of joy
I’d been a city child
Raised in a brick flat
My youth’s hell
Communal balcony
Entrance for all
Dirty windows
And constant noise
Escape to the country
Dancing at village hall
Kids riding horses
My wife now smiles
This was now our plan
Don't fence me in
With city's railings
Image found at www.visitsweden.com
Communal hallways are a hell no matter how many times they sluice off the stains and repaint it beige...no fences external or otherwise is a good aspiration - and that little girl's face is a real tonic :)
ReplyDeleteHmm, life didn't turn out the way this speaker intended, which, unfortunately, is often the case for most of us.
ReplyDeleteSeeking Sugar
Can't imagine living away from a buzzing city...but in the end people matter more than places I suppose.
ReplyDeleteThere are tradeoffs / advantages in both city and country living. Hopefully, wherever one settles one is happy with the choice.
ReplyDeleteDon't get me wrong. I love the city and all its nooks to duck into and experience. But give me some space. I don't like living on top of each other for very long.
ReplyDeleteI was a city dweller most of my life, but you'd never get me back there now, except for brief visits. I like my clean air, beautiful scenery, and far less traffic.
ReplyDeletehappiness is main be it in a country or a city...the poem reminds me of Keats' "To One Who Has Been Long in City pent"....
ReplyDeleteThe city can be both the horrors of communal sharing and the joy of balcony bliss.. I think the country might be a safer bet... as long as there is good transport to town, for music and fun
ReplyDeleteI so long for this, as well. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThe concrete jungle so they say! And it is a lot more restrictive than a freer country life!
ReplyDeleteHank
"Her poem of joy." I love that line. I remember when I was a young married and wanted to live in the city, which we did for a time. Only a few years later, I discovered I was a wilderness girl, but it took many more years to get there. I enjoyed this poem, Robin.Glad you got back to the country.
ReplyDeleteYeah - know that feeling. Give me the country air, and open skies.
ReplyDeletelovely.. the city can make you feel trapped.
ReplyDeleteI was a city girl, then country, then city, now...country again. I enjoy both because I make it good wherever I am but....I wouldn't trade my quiet country air mornings alone for all the trendy spaces in town! Good you are back in the country. Spencer is Kanzensakura
ReplyDeletethe city can be loud, crowded, and hurried. whereas the country life is quiet, laidback, and commodating. i've had the experience...sighs.
ReplyDeleteThe life of the city can at times make one feel fenced in. Beautifully executed!
ReplyDeleteOh I have been there....pull up stakes and plant your roots somewhere else...sometimes a scary proposition, but a wonderful adventure more times than not. I could never be fenced in by a city...I would be lost....love the country!
ReplyDeleteI would rather live where there is room to breathe and commute into the city.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in New York City. I can definitely relate to your poem.
ReplyDeletewhen presented with these two options one must close one's eyes then open them and accept where you are. flowers can grow in pots on windowsills but horses cannot trot in concrete urban streets with cars.
ReplyDeletetough option
Got o find that smile in escaping or one sweet spouse and set of children might never know what they are missing--including the rat race of affording the urban setting. A fine triptych of a poem.
ReplyDeletechoose the wife's smile to be a happy man
ReplyDeletetea and ixoras
much love...
I can sympathize with this. Been in all environs.
ReplyDeleteI like being on the edge of suburbia...near a smaller city.
Went in to NYC for an overnight. And was reminded of why I enjoy my home.
Cheers, Jules
I need both. I love both.
ReplyDelete