Yu Yuan Gardens

Shanghai Streets buzz with an ever flowing surge of people
Over the bridge of Yu Yuan Gardens
There is not a spare bit of space.
The throng surges as the crowd moves along.
Under the concrete bridge
The water is a green pool of languid water
Plants gather in clusters
surrounded by concrete edges.
Stairs fall into the water
A dragon imprinted on the smooth surface running down the center
But the ducks that have come to prune their plummage
don't seem to care
Tiny Koi fish gather to be fed
Their orange and white bodies
Seem to dance in the murky water.
A curtain of variegated green plants
Cover one of the concrete ballists
Giving a contrast to the signage
that scattered garishly over the courtyard
amid the crowds.
Each light standard post is hosting the flag of China
It's crimson red with golden stars
Announce with subtle pride
As they billow out over the masses.
Across the courtyard
Amid the store front signs that are
Written in a language I cannot speak
Is a Starbucks
Within the grandeur of China
With all is traditions
Where the buildings stand tall
Their white surfaces aligned with symmetrical dark wooden beams
And their roofs flare out with their dark swooping pagodas
Symbols of spiritual peace and harmony
The western world has poked its head
Not jarring, but prevalent.


Lines = 36


Prompt for: Feb 9 (Fyn) ▼

Subject or Theme: A Walk in China sown a street or trail.
On Google Earth/Maps,(if possible, use Chrome browser and google Google maps. You get different one from the desktop version) go to a place in China where you can get down to street view and take us on a walk. Suggest Hong Kong or Taiwan as we know you CAN get to street level in those places.. Be descriptive and tell us what you see. Try to find a street name (or use longitude/latitude) and use it in your poem. Alternatively, you can click on a close succession of blue dots to get the same feel.
Word(s) to Include: None, but do be extremely descriptive. What is different from where you live and what is the same? (or any derivatives of these words)
Forbidden Word(s): NONE but do describe your scene very well!!! (or any derivatives of these words)
Additional Parameters:
Remember, do not use forbidden words ANYWHERE, including title or the brief description. At least 24 lines.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7WUBnoXmFs