Paul Davis in Barcelona Part 3

When the poetaster complained to a
train-riding, vineyard-owning, English
speaking French woman of the French
refusal to speak English, she replied:
“When you are in France, you should
speak French. That’s the trouble with
you Americans when visiting another
country; you think everyone should
        speak your language.”
Then, observing the poetaster’s red
whiskers, she added, “You must be Irish;
        don’t the Irish drink a lot?”

Spanish chatter of their fellow travelers,
simple folks with bundles and crates of
chickens, grew as they crossed the border
like refugees in the depths of the Iberian night.
Finally in the lights of the Barcelona station---
oh, the pretty Catalan girls among the old
men and women! Such beauty awoke
the two despite the late hour of the day.
Knowing tourists when he saw them,
a wiry gent escorted Paul and poetaster
to the Pension Francia for a late supper
of steak and eggs . . . which were never
                served again.

Reviews

[CD Campbell]

I dont think all Irish drink themselves to death. Not everyone in my area owns a horse. Point made by our super sweet french woman there. We did save their asses by the germans in WW2. Haha couldn't help myself. (I like the French, dont tell anyone).
I like how this is going, Mr. T. Glad to be along for the ride.

[Dave]

Aha! They finally discovered, or did they, the local "pastry"

Take care - Dave

[barleygirl]

Love msg in top verse! It's true, we Americans DO expect everyone to speak English. Some around these parts get quite uppity about the failure to do so by dark-skinned immigrants who chose to reside in USA. Your storytelling really brings out the crux of traveling -- interesting characters one meets! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Eilis]

More of the culture clashing, excellent. A common language does not always mean a shared idea. That's well-expressed in that first stanza. Travel can be humbling and a growing experience if we are open to its lessons, I suppose. I like that those things are left for the reader to decide here.

And of course, more of the scenery and local flavor of the destinations. Fun story to read, Tom. Hope there's more to come.

[kentuck14]

Just telling our story . . . more to come.
T

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Once more you describe the journey through France through the eyes of two boys, told in narrative poetry as you recall this adventure and share it with us all.

[kentuck14]

John,
Glad you're enjoying it. More to come.
T