Tourist

(On World Tourism Day)

To gawk at a painting considered world-famous

While trying to understand all the fuss

Surrounding it; standing in long queues to be

Satisfied that the Mona Lisa you’ve been able to see

Braving throngs of people, being constantly vigilant about

Pickpockets on the streets is stressful, no doubt

You barely have time to click pictures few..

Admiring architecture and art is what you thought you would do

Instead long tours throughout the day leave you drained

You console yourself- at least a new experience you have gained..

The beauty of this place is unparalleled, it’s true

But it is overrun by tourists leaving behind litter too

You were hoping for breathtaking vistas which you do not get

You feel a bit cheated, you’re trying not to get upset…

*

You spend time and money to be a tourist in places well-known

When you really want to be is a traveler exploring places unknown

Each year after your big annual trip you make a resolution

That next year you would avoid a popular destination

And go off the beaten path to be a traveler true

But when you start planning, logistics hinder you

Trips to major tourist destinations are easier to plan, therefore

You end up being a tourist, unknown places you never explore…